The Clear Sounds of Tetsuo Matsuda, Violin Maker
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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).
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Tetsuo Matsuda at WorkCarving a back panel. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Tetsuo Matsuda Instrument Maker |
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Matsuda CarvingWorking on an instrument. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Tetsuo Matsuda Instrument Maker |
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Matsuda at WorkMatsuda carving. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Tetsuo Matsuda Instrument Maker |
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Matsuda's OfficeMatsuda's office is in a quiet, rustic setting. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Matsuda's Studio |
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Cello Front PanelThis panel, in the window of his studio, will become part of one of Matsuda's cellos. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Matsuda's Studio |
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PrintsA print of master maker's instruments on an easel in Matsuda's studio. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Matsuda's Studio |
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ToolsMatsuda's tools hanging in the studio. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Matsuda's Studio |
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Matsuda's workstationHere is where he carves the panels. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Tetsuo Matsuda's Studio |
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Works in ProgressInstruments under construction. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Tetsuo Matsuda Instrument Maker |
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Scroll ConstructionMatsuda working on a scroll. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Tetsuo Matsuda Instrument Maker |
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PartBody of a violin. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Matsuda's Studio |
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Violin PanelFront panel of a violin. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Matsuda |
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PartScroll of a violin. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Matsuda |
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TemplateTemplate of violin. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Matsuda |
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Finished ProductsA newly-built violin and viola in Matsuda's studio. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Matsuda's Studio |
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Matsuda Examines His WorkMatsuda polishing a newly-built viola. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Tetsuo Matsuda Instrument Maker |
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PortfolioMatsuda looking at his portfolio. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Tetsuo Matsuda Instrument Maker |
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The Finished ProductA newly-built viola. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Matsuda's Studio |
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Matsuda's PortfolioPhotos of his creations. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Tetsuo Matsuda Instrument Maker |
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First TrialThe author playing a Matsuda viola. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Matsuda Viola Played by Shiho Toyonaga |
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Matsuda SketchDiagram 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 |
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IllustrationMatsuda's sketch used to teach violin making in Japan. Courtesy of Tetsuo Matsuda
Tetsuo Matsuda Instrument Maker |
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Japanese ArticleMatsuda in an article in a Japanese newspaper. Courtesy of Tetsuo Matsuda
Tetsuo Matsuda Instrument Maker |
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ExhibitionMatsuda (r.) showing his work at an exhibition in Japan. Courtesy of Shiho Toyonaga
Tetsuo Matsuda Instrument Maker |
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Young MatsudaMatsuda during his first trip to Europe, where he observed Spanish guitar-making studios. Courtesy of Tetsuo Matsuda
Tetsuo Matsuda Instrument Maker |
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Post War School Picture in JapanAn old post war elementary school class photo from Matsuda's village in Japan. Courtesy of Tetsuo Matsuda.
Tetsuo Matsuda's Elementary School Picture |