Q&A for How to Build a Violin

Hide glue is the only glue that should be used on a violin. This must be applied hot. Hide glue has the correct properties for holding a violin together, but almost more importantly it can be taken apart to do instrument repairs at a later date.

On Violas and Cellos the backs are sometimes made of poplar or willow, but for violins it's almost always maple. Oak would be far too heavy and rough grained for making an instrument. Its important also that the wood should be air dried for at least 5 years after the tree is cut. For the fingerboard, upper nut, and saddle a very dense, even grained tropical wood should be used. (usually ebony, though rosewood can work as a cheaper option).

It depends on the quality of the violin you are constructing. There generally are three main string types people use. Beginners usually use basic steel strings. Intermediate players may invest in an instrument with Dominant strings. Advanced and professional players tend to stick with Vision strings.

Absolutely not, unless you are simply making a violin for an arts and craft project. If you expect to create an instrument that actually produces a proper sound, I'd invest in Steel, Dominant, or Vision strings.

Building a violin is a long and complex process; it won't happen by magic overnight. It will need a lot of work and might take some months.

You'll need processed wood, many many, many carving tools, clamps, varnish, strings and pegs.

Not too expensive, but you don't want to cheap out on it either.

Yes, this is a great wood for a violin. Redwood plays a beautiful sound.