Monthly Archives: July 2016

Doing something positively weird…

Posted on July 30, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

If you follow this blog regularly, you will know that I’m always in for something weird. Especially when it comes to art. I like to make things that make people stop for a while and wonder. Something unexpected, that gets … Continue reading →

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The mind boggling furniture of Abraham and David Roentgen – Pt. 2

Posted on July 29, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

While the desks and tables are well known among cabinetmakers, another product they made seems to be overlooked. Roentgen and clockmaker Peter Kinzing also made a couple of instruments. The most famous is this automaton, made for Marie Antoinette. It’s … Continue reading →

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Early American Guitars: The Instruments of C.F. Martin

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

A truely wonderful lecture about the early Martin guitars… This just gave me an excuse to post this short 1939 Martin factory tour. And what’s a lecture without a nice concert? The following is a bit of a Martin commercial. … Continue reading →

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The mind boggling furniture of Abraham and David Roentgen

Posted on July 23, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

The works of Abraham (1711-1793) and his son David Roentgen (1743-1807) are a category in itself. Some of the most elaborate furniture ever made. Riddled with hidden features, drawers, mechanics and decorated with over the top marquetry. Even in their … Continue reading →

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Boredom at work – How craftsmanship can be the key…

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Last week I found these two educational films from the sixties. They deal about the dangers of boredom at work. Something I have first hand experience with. After lutherie school I started working, first at a home-depot shop, later at … Continue reading →

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Jheronimus Bosch vs. Metallica

Posted on July 19, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Did you know that the video clip of Metallica’s ‘Until it Sleeps’ was inspired by Jheronimus Bosch’ paintings? Like the human eating monster from “The Garden of Earthly Delights”, Adam and Eve from “The Haywain” and the crucifixion from “Ecce … Continue reading →

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Violin and harpsichord making at Colonial Williamsburg

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

This documentary from 1976 is great. Making instruments in period costume, using old techniques and proper tools. Yesterday I heard that they are looking for an apprentice harpsichord maker at Colonial Williamsburg. This would be a dream job for me, … Continue reading →

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Sanding – an historical approach…

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

It’s the task everybody loves to hate”. So much there are even online support groups for luthiers who go slightly mad with it… But rather than moaning about it, I would like to look a bit into the history of … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Jheronimus Bosch Lute, Research, Think different, Tools, Uncategorized, Woodworking, Workshop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Little free libraries…

Posted on July 11, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

You might be familiar with the concept of the “Little Free Library”. A simple wooden box or chest, placed in a public spare of front garden where people can borrow and exchange books. Because Sandra and I are avid readers, … Continue reading →

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Cantigas de Santa Maria

Posted on July 8, 2016 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

You can’t open a book on music history without finding one of these plates in it. Often used to illustrate the use of the lute in the middle ages. They were found as illustrations in a book of hymns, the … Continue reading →

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