Cello Makers Using a Ball Vise

Contrary to what I usually do, which is play an instrument, the other day, I saw some wood workers making instruments, cellos to be exact. It was really nice to watch because it's such a fine craft that requires such details.

Basically, the wood craftsman carved the body of the cello from raw wood by holding the piece of wood in place held down by a metal clamp type object which they called a ball vise. From there, they carve in the shape of the sketch on the wood.

It's amazing to see such a beautiful instrument take shape - the transformation from raw wood and strings to a deep, rich, warm, sounding musical piece of art just sent shivers down my spine (in a good way).