Contents

1. What is the criteria for instruments included in the project?
2. How are instruments measured?
3. How long does it take to document and photograph an instrument?
4. Why a subscription fee?
5. What are the search parameters?
6. Is it possible to make instrument patterns from the data and images on the Web site?
7. Are photographs of individual instruments for sale?
8. How are the measurements taken?
9. How can you make a pattern from the instrument measurements?
10. How can I zoom and pan instrument images?
11. How can I print instrument images?

Q: What is the criteria for instruments included in the project?

A: We seek instruments of historical significance that have original labels and/or good documentation.

Q: How are instruments measured?

A: Every instrument is measured and photographed the same way, offering consistent data across all instruments in the database. This process is unique to the Luthier’s Library. Reference books often use different measuring techniques, which hinders the study of instruments from one book to the next. Visitors to our site are encouraged to study the instrument presented in our “guest” section to learn about the information provided on every instrument in the database.

The library’s measuring process includes the most accurate digital and manual techniques available with a focus on using plastic tools that will prevent any possibility of damaging instruments.

Q: How long does it take to document and photograph an instrument?

A: The project typically needs to hold an instrument for about six hours for measurements and photography. Research, editing and processing information adds several hours to the input of every instrument.

Q: Why a subscription fee?

A: We charge a small fee to eventually offset the project’s ongoing software development cost.

Q: What are the search parameters?

A: Search by maker, instrument type, country, city, time period, museum collection, or any combination. You also can search for newly added instruments.

Q: Is it possible to make instrument patterns from the data and images on the Web site?

A: Yes. All information and images are printable from the site. The images need to be resized according to the measurements provided, like when making patterns from photos in a book. The curtate arches print out at the correct size. The laser images of the actual arch need to be resized. For violins and violas, the arch measurements are taken every 4 cm of both the back and top plates. For cello, every 8 cm.

Q: Are photographs of individual instruments for sale?

A: Yes. Please write us at contact_us@LuthiersLibrary.com for more information.

Q: How are the measurements taken?

Q: How can you make a pattern from the instrument measurements?

Please see the patterns.pdf file for information on the formula for resizing, and examples of how images are resized to be used in patterns.

Q: How can I zoom and pan instrument images?

A: Use your mouse to click on, zoom, and pan images. The program, called Magic Touch, requires Adobe Flash version 9 or higher. You can find Flash at http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer.

Q: How can I print instrument images?

A: The best way to print an image is to turn off Magic Touch, the zoom function. Click the "Stop Magic Touch" button and click "Print." Some browsers, however, will allow printing while the zoom function is running.