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Award-winning Violin Maker "A work of art is more
than just
the sum of perfect parts." |
"I will have a wonderful summer in Oregon, playing my new magic fiddle!"
"I'm really enjoying the violin.
You'll be glad to know that I used it to place
second in the Oklahoma State
Fiddle Championships last month, and many people were
asking about the violin."
Out of my studio in Monroe, Oregon, I am currently building several different models of violins, violas and cellos. Monroe is located between Portland - Salem, and Eugene. Of special interest is a small 15" viola based on a charming instrument, probably from the 18th century. This is a nicely proportioned viola that is easy to play, responsive, and well balanced. This viola is a good choice for the violist who wants a small instrument, or the violinist who would like to play viola. Because of increasing interest, I am building 5 string violins.
5 String Violin Now Available! May 08
Read a review of this five string violin at Darol
Anger's site.
More info on my 5 string violin model
!
Violin # 79 Carlo Landolfi Model Tastefully Antiqued Now Available |
Violin # 80 Guarneri Model Rhonda Vincent in concert playing violin #80, Jan. 2007 Sold |
String Quartet Tone Award !
2004 Violin Society of America Competition ( VSA )
This set of instruments is now available for sale as a quartet
(preferably),
or as individual instruments. Please inquire.
Carlo Landolfi violin copy. Click on image to view.
Genuine
Amber Varnish
Vincenzo Panormo Model Bass. |
Bass Scroll |
Bass Button |
Carving the bass top - Sept. 07 |
Vincenzo Panormo Model Bass - March 08 |
His violins have the tone and artistry that will be treasured 200 years from now." Thomas Deluca, President VMAAI 1995 |
The real world of violinmaking Imagine if you will, an enjoyable weekend with family and friends. It is now Monday morning. Somewhat forgotten from last week are today's tasks. The sun has been up for an hour, breakfast was nothing special - just enough to make it through the morning so the pangs of hunger don't distract. The solitary craftsman opens the door to the studio. The sun is shining in the lone window and the birds are busy at the feeder and the birdbath. There is a slight essence of the sweet smell of benzoin from Friday's polishing session. This day is unique in that the final details will be achieved. The bench is rightly placed in front of the window as shadows appear from that single source of light in the sky. The time is now to examine the smooth curves and flowing lines, taking advantage of the shadows. Small corrections are made. Think elegance. The piece of wood is tapped and flexed, using the senses of touch, sight, and hearing to make sure everything is right. It is time to do the final assembly. It has been weeks of work that has led to this point. It's time to sign the inside of his creation. His mind drifts off to the future as he is putting in his mark. Perhaps 200 years from now there will be occasion to repair this one. That is the next time this signature will be seen. It will likely look as fresh as it does today. What will the future hold for this one? How many will enjoy it and be moved by it? Enough daydreaming - back to the task at hand . Heat the glue, clamp, and set aside. It will be about 10 days until the varnish is dry and this instrument is brought to life. This is my Monday morning as a violin maker. Jonathan S. Franke - Violin Maker
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Playing
a
fine instrument can inspire a performer with it's tone and carrying
power.
A fine handmade instrument, beautiful in form and function, can
stimulate
a performance beyond a player's vision. Join players from California to
New York that are enjoying their Franke instruments. I also sell some
instruments
through fine violin shops across the United States. If you live in the
following cities, you can try my instruments in Tacoma WA, St. Paul MN,
Mountain View CA (between San Francisco and San Jose), New Haven CT,
Austin
TX, and San Antonio Texas.
I am building the
violin, viola,
or cello that you have been looking for!
Should you ever consider trading an instrument purchased from me for another, I will credit you the full purchase price (less the cost of any damage or needed repairs) towards the purchase of an instrument of equal or greater value. |
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D'Addario Helicore violin strings. Click on ad to view. |
Member of:
Violin Society of America Michigan Violinmakers Association Southern California Assn. of Violin Makers |
jon@proviolins.com Jonathan S. Franke
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The
Channel Scraper Tool
for violin, viola, and cello. Solid Brass, High Speed Steel Blade, Professional Quality, Professional Results. Click Here |
Come visit me at.... Jan. 9, 10, 11. River City Bluegrass Festival, Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon . RiverCity Bluegrass Festival Feb. 13 Acoustic Showcase performance with Tom and Ellen Demarest . LBCC Benton Center, 757 NW Polk, Corvallis Oregon. Noon - 1pm Feb. 20 Performance with Tom and Ellen Demarest at Enoteca's, Corvallis 7 - 10pm Feb. 22 I will be displaying instruments at the Salem Viola Day at Willamette University 1-4pm. See you there! Feb. 28 Performance with Jon and Patti at the Corvallis Indoor Winter Market. 9am to noon, Benton County Fairgrounds March 20 Performance with Tom and Ellen Demarest at Enoteca's, Corvallis 7 - 10pm March 21 Performance with Trestle Glenat Daffodil Drive Festival, near Junction City, 11am to noon. March 28 Performance with Trestle Glenat the Corvallis Indoor Winter Market. 9am to noon, Benton County Fairgrounds April
10
Performance with Trestle Glen
at Guthrie Park, Dallas, Or. 6:30 pm
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Come visit me at....
Jan. 4, 5, 6. River City Bluegrass Festival, Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon . RiverCity Bluegrass Festival March 28, 8 pm.
Instrument Exhibit
- I will be exhibiting violins etc. at this concert of the Portland
Columbia
Symphony Orchestra. First United Methodist Church,
March 30, 3 pm.
Instrument Exhibit
- I will be exhibiting violins etc. at this concert of the Portland
Columbia
Symphony Orchestra. Good Shepherd Church,
April 19,
20.
Noon to 5pm. .
Handmade Musical Instrument Exhibit at Marylhurst University.
A 40 minute performance of my instruments on
April 25 Best Cellar performance with Cooper Hollow. Methodist Church, 11th and Monroe, Corvallis, OR. 7:30pm. This will be the debut concert for my double bass. May 2, 8
pm.
Instrument Exhibit - I will be exhibiting violins etc. at this concert
of the Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra. First United Methodist
Church,
May 5, 7:30 pm.
Instrument Exhibit
- I will be exhibiting violins etc. at this concert of the Portland
Columbia
Symphony Orchestra.
May 16, 17. Oregon Old Time Fiddlers Contest. Chemeketa Community College, Salem. See you there Saturday in the afternoon! For more info click here . May 26 Performance with the jazz band Cool Conspiracy and with the duo Jon and Patti at the Multnomah County Fair. Email me for more info. June 7, 8pm. Performance with Tom and Ellen Demarest at the Old World Deli, Corvallis. This is part of the weekend Corvallis Music Project. June 14 Performance with Jon and Patti at the Corvallis Farmer's Market 9am to 11? June 19 -22 Amboy Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival, Amboy WA. See you there! July 4 Performance with Jon and Patti , Salem. Email me for more info. July 11, Performance with Cooper Hollow, McMinnvile. 4 - 5:30 July 11 Performance with Tom and Ellen Demarest , Winestyles, Corvallis. 7:30 - 9:30 July 12 Performance with Jon and Patti , Salem - Marion Count Fair. 6pm July 19 Performance with Cooper Hollow, Corvallis Farmer's market 9 to noon. July 27 Performance with Cooper Hollow, Dallas City Park, noon to 1pm Aug. 16 Performance with Jon and Patti at the Corvallis Artisans Market 9am to noon ? Aug. 24 Performance with Cool Conspiracy Nat the Northwest Art & Air Festival Timberlinn Park, Albany 11:30am Sept. 5 Performance with Tom and Ellen Demarest , Winestyles, Corvallis. Time TBA Sept. 5-7 American Heritage Campground 6th Annual Bluegrass Festival, Tumwater, WA Where: End of Kimmie Street. Contact: Karla Heck, 360-943-8778 Oct.17 Performance with Tom and Ellen Demarest at Enoteca's, Corvallis 7 - 10pm Oct. 18 Performance with Jon and Patti at the Albany Farmer's Market. 9 - 1 Nov. 3 - 7 2008 VSA Competition and Convention. Red Lion Hotel, Portland, Oregon. For more info click here . Nov. 21 Acoustic Showcase performance with Jon and Patti . LBCC Benton Center, 757 NW Polk, Corvallis Oregon. Noon - 1pm Nov. 21 Performance with Tom and Ellen Demarest at Enoteca's, Corvallis 7 - 10pm Nov. 28 Performance with Jon and Patti at the Corvallis Artisans Holiday Market 1 - 3pm Dec. 5 Performance with Jon and Patti at the Corvallis Artisans Holiday Market 5 - 7pm Dec.
19
Performance with Cooper Hollow, Guthrie
Park Christmas Show.
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Jan. 5, 6, 7. River City Bluegrass Festival, Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon . RiverCity Bluegrass Festival
Jan 19. Acoustic Showcase performance with Cooper Hollow. LBCC Benton Center, 757 NW Polk, Corvallis Oregon. Noon - 1pm
Jan. 26 Best Cellar performance with Cooper Hollow. Methodist Church, 11th and Monroe, Corvallis, OR. 7:30pm
April 28, 29.
Handmade Musical Instrument Exhibit at Marylhurst University.
A short 30 minute performance of my instruments on
Sunday the 29th 12:50 - 1:20. Classical duets to a whole bluegrass
band!
See you there!
July 20, 21 Aura Jamboree, Aura Community Hall, Aura MI 906/524-7842 Two days of great music!
August 4, 5 13th annual Toivola Acoustic Jamboree. Agate Beach Park just west of Toivola, MI. For more info contact me: jon@proviolins.com
August 9 -12 Minnesota Bluegrass &
Old-Time
Music Festival, El Rancho Manana, Richmond, MN. For more info click here
Come visit me at.... Jan. 7, 8. River City Bluegrass Festival, Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon . RiverCity Bluegrass Festival April 1. Oregon Viola Society Conference. Portland State University campus, Portland, Oregon. I will be displaying violas and violins. Details coming soon. April 22, 23. Handmade Musical
Instrument Exhibit
at Marylhurst University. A short 20 minute performance of violins #62
and #70 Saturday at 2:40 pm.
June 2-4. Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff Bluegrass Festival, El Rancho Manana, Richmond, MN. For more info contact me: jon@proviolins.com July 14, 15. 30th annual Aura Jamboree, Aura, Michigan. Starts 5pm Friday. For more info: HCR1 Box 258 Aura, LAnse, MI 49946 August 5,6 12th annual Toivola Acoustic Jamboree. Agate Beach Park just west of Toivola, MI. For more info contact me: jon@proviolins.com August 10-13. Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival, El Rancho Manana, Richmond, MN. For more info click here October 8 Cello Day sponsored by the Oregon Cello Society, Marylhurst University, 1 to 5:30pm |
Feb. 5. Gaston Oregon Old Time Fiddlers Contest. See you there! For more info click here .
April 2. Oregon Viola Society Conference. Lincoln Hall Rm. 75 of the Portland State University campus, Portland, Oregon from 8am to 1pm.
April 23, 24. Handmade Musical
Instrument
Exhibit at Marylhurst University. Professor John Paul will be playing a
short concert
on 1715 Stradivari model violin (#62) at 2:20pm on Saturday the 23rd.
For
more info click here
.
May 19. Acoustic Showcase Performance. LBCC Benton Center, 757 NW Polk, Corvallis Oregon. 11:45am - 1pm
June 3-5 Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff Bluegrass Festival, El Rancho Manana, Richmond, MN. For more info click here.
June 15 - Sept. 10. Come camp in Conover, Wisconsin. Hunter Lake Paradise Campground.
June 24-26. New Directions Cello Festival at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. For more info click here .
July 15, 16. 29th annual Aura Jamboree, Aura, Michigan. Starts 5pm Friday. For more info: 906-524-7842
August 2,5,8,9,12 American Suzuki Institute, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, Collins Classroom Center store, room 204, 8am – 5pm.
Dec 21-28 Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Wisconsin customers - contact me if there is an instrument you might be interested in.. I will be bringing instruments.
5 String Violin five string violins
Come visit me at.... Jan. 8 + 11. Oregon Art Beat on OPB television will feature me on Jan. 8 at 8 pm and on Jan 11 at 6 pm. Tune in! Jan. 24. I will be displaying violins, violas, and a cello at the Hindemith Viola Festival 2004 at Lincoln Hall Rm. 75 of the PSU campus, Portland, Oregon from 11am - 4 pm. Saturday . There will be an exhibit and demonstration of new violas by Northwest luthiers from 2 pm - 3:30 pm. For more info click here . Feb. 7. Gaston Oregon Old Time Fiddlers Contest. See you there! For more info click here . Corvallis Violin Shops , Eugene Violin Shops. Salem Violin Shops, Portland Violin Shops.. April 24, 25. Handmade Musical Instrument Exhibit at Marylhurst University. For more info click here . May 21,22. Oregon Old Time Fiddlers Contest. Chemeketa Community College, Salem. See you there! For more info click here . June 9-13. XXXII International Viola Congress, Minneapolis, Minnesota. For more info click here . Violin Music Store June 15 - Sept. 10. Come camp in Conover, Wisconsin. Hunter Lake Paradise Campground. June 25-27. New Directions Cello Festival at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. For more info click here . July 16, 17. Aura Jamboree, Aura, Michigan. For more info click here. August 6, 7. Minnesota State Old Time
Fiddle Championship
& Festival, Cotton, Minnesota. P.O. Box 205
Cotton,
MN 55724
San Francisco violin shops , San Jose violin shops , San Francisco violin shop , San Jose violin shop, Bay area violin shops August 12-15. Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival, El Rancho Manana, Richmond, MN. For more info click here. Sept. 4. Three Eagle Trail Art Gala, Three Lakes, Wisconsin. 11am to 4pm. The Reiter Center. 1-800-944-5434 October 17. Cello Day 2004, Oregon Cello Society. 1 to 5:30pm. Multnomah Art Center, 7688 S.W. Capitol Highway, Portland, Oregon. More info 503-997-8179 November 8-14. 2004 VSA Competition and Convention. Doubletree Hotel, Jantzen Beach, Portland, Oregon. For more info click here . December 23-27. Milwaukee, Wisconsin WI. Contact me prior to December 22 if there is an instrument you would like to try. Corvallis Violin Shop , Eugene Violin Shop, Salem Violin Shop, Portland Violin Shop 5 String Violins five string violins |
Proviolins.com