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Hi.
As you can see, I'm new here. Now, I don't really know if you have gone throught this topic already, but I just have to ask: Do you think I can cut parts of the violin body off without the whole body falling apart? It's a cheapo, so buying a new one wouldn't really be a problem.
For a year and a half now I have wanted to build a Michael McCanless violin replica. Here's a link for a picture of the original. If you can't see it for some reason, go to Facebook and search for Michael McCanless. You will most likely find a tribute page started by me and an old friend of Michael's. That's the one! If you want to hear Michael's fiddling, just go to my YouTube channel (OP Alaraasakka) and check out the Hank Williams III concert from 2002. This one for example.
Do you have any good tips? I also have to paint the body at some point. Should I do that before or after removing the wood?
Cheers,
O.P. Alaraasakka
Regulars
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Hi and Welcome to the forum.
First off, I have looked at the pics.
Second, that is not a cut up Acoustic Violin, its an Electric. So cutting holes in your acoustic make no sense, just a buy Cecilio CEVN-1 that is the style I seen in the pics.
Hope this helps you.
With violins there is no fretting over the music.
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I do know that's an electric violin. Originally it was an acoustic violin, but Michael had feedback issues with microphones. He always played loud and the amp would just howl all the time. He got that fiddle from his mother, who repaired string instruments back then. He just cut some of the wood off, repainted it and wired it up. I like playing with effects like phaser, wah, overdrive etc. so I thought that making a replica would be a good idea.
Regulars
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I wish you luck, but the cost of cutting the acoustic up and adding a center rail for strength then adding the piezo and electronics would in my opinion be more then just buying a EV..
That said, yes it can be done, and you could paint it any color you wanted once you were done modifying it..
Once you get the center rail in place, the rest of the structure can be clear away as much as you wish.
With violins there is no fretting over the music.
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What I would do, since you are saying that you have nothing to loose as it is a cheapo violin. I would first off remove the bridge and strings, then proceed to make your cutouts. After your cutouts, you will for sure need to reinforce the construction to withstand the pressure of the strings.
Having worked on my boat on a number of occasions I can tell you that two part epoxy is a super strong and fairly easy to work with. This might be one option, along with fiber glass sheets.... Just an idea of course.
Afterwards, possibly gel-coat for a nice finished product. Of course you'll be surpassing your old friends violin rather than making a replica.
You won't need to worry about acoustics since this is going to be the same as a solid body or "Silent Electric" violin.
Keep us posted and welcome to the forum.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Wow, Fiddlerman himself! Thanks for the help! I was thinking of painting it cobalt blue at some point later on. After it's finished, I'll get a D'Addario Helicore set. I use one on my other fiddle and it's great!
Sadly, I never got to see Michael in action because he passed away in 2003 when I was just a kid.. But that friend of his, who is a luthier by the way, has told me a lot about him. I heard he was a very loud fiddler with a Polytone amp that had a 15" speaker.. I can just imagine!
I'll keep you updated. I just have to psych myself up a bit because making the cutouts is the hardest part because of the shapes etc. I'll most likely start with some holes and a Dremel tool. I'm not sure if it's any use at modding a fiddle, but one can't be sure of anything without trying first! 
Hopefully it won't take me months to start this project..
Thanks again,
O.P. Alaraasakka
Mouse
Fiddlerman
ELCBK
