The Clear Sounds of Tetsuo Matsuda, Violin Maker

Licensing

Tetsuo Matsuda is a master violin, viola and cello maker, living in the Midwest near Chicago. Among the images are of his studio, where he builds his instruments. Read his full story in the Voices of Chicago section on the Chicago Japanese American Historical Society website (www.CJAHS.org).

Slides in this album 

Matsuda's Office

Matsuda's office is in a quiet, rustic setting.

Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga

Matsuda's Studio
Contributed by: intrepidmouse

Cello Front Panel

This panel, in the window of his studio, will become part of one of Matsuda's cellos.

Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga

Matsuda's Studio
Contributed by: intrepidmouse

Prints

A print of master maker's instruments on an easel in Matsuda's studio.

Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga

Matsuda's Studio
Contributed by: intrepidmouse

Tools

Matsuda's tools hanging in the studio.

Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga

Matsuda's Studio
Contributed by: intrepidmouse

Finished Products

A newly-built violin and viola in Matsuda's studio.

Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga

Matsuda's Studio
Contributed by: intrepidmouse

Matsuda Sketch

Diagram of wood cutting. This illustration is used to teach violin making in Japan. It demonstrates how to cut wood.

Courtesy of Tetsuo Matsuda

Tetsuo Matsuda Instrument Maker
Contributed by: intrepidmouse

Illustration

Matsuda's sketch used to teach violin making in Japan.

Courtesy of Tetsuo Matsuda

Tetsuo Matsuda Instrument Maker
Contributed by: intrepidmouse

Exhibition

Matsuda (r.) showing his work at an exhibition in Japan.

Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga

Tetsuo Matsuda Instrument Maker
Contributed by: intrepidmouse

Young Matsuda

Matsuda during his first trip to Europe, where he observed Spanish guitar-making studios.

Courtesy of Tetsuo Matsuda

Tetsuo Matsuda Instrument Maker
Contributed by: intrepidmouse

Post War School Picture in Japan

An old post war elementary school class photo from Matsuda's village in Japan.

Courtesy of Tetsuo Matsuda.

Tetsuo Matsuda's Elementary School Picture
Contributed by: intrepidmouse

Album Type

community history

intrepidmouse — Last modified May 09 2023 1:21 a.m.


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