Running from September 8, 2022, through August 26, 2023, the “Making a Scene” exhibit at the Denton County Courthouse-On-the-Square Museum celebrates the vibrant musical culture that has shaped Denton’s identity over the decades. Featuring photographs, posters, and memorabilia, the exhibit recognizes the artists, venues, and festivals pivotal to establishing Denton as a music hotspot.
The Luthier Shop of Cross Roads
The term luthier refers to a craftsman who constructs and repairs string instruments such as violins and guitars.
Within the exhibit, visitors can view a collection of violin components displayed behind glass that illustrate the journey from raw materials to finished instrument. These include four small wooden blocks demonstrating the incremental stages of carving a violin’s scroll, a cross-section of a violin body revealing its internal design with precise labeling, and a form mold used for shaping specific violin models. Prominently showcased is a small guitar with an open front, complemented by various luthier tools laid out at the front of the display case.
These artifacts offer insight into the crucial role luthiers play in supporting any musical community—providing not only handcrafted instruments but also essential maintenance, accessories, and rental services that keep musicians performing at their peak.
Located in Cross Roads, Texas, The Luthier Shop has been operated by Steven Cundall since 1975. The business is a family affair, with Steven’s wife Cynthia and their son David contributing their own musical talents and expertise. Steven and Cynthia are violinists, with Cynthia also recognized as a composer and arranger, while David specializes in classical guitar.
Becoming a luthier demands not just musical understanding but also mastery in woodworking, precise measurement, and the ability to craft instruments that resonate harmoniously. Even a minor flaw in the construction can drastically impact an instrument’s sound quality and value. Reputation and craftsmanship are therefore critical in the luthier’s trade.
In addition to creating violins, violas, and cellos, Cundall specializes in restoring antique instruments, a delicate process often complicated by limited historical information. Identifying the original maker can reveal important details such as style, material, age, and rarity, all factors influencing an instrument’s character and market worth.
String instruments tend to mature sonically when well-maintained and regularly played; antique violins, in particular, develop a distinctive resonance that enhances their tonal richness and appreciation in value over time.
Steven Cundall actively shares updates and in-progress photographs on The Luthier Shop’s Facebook page, engaging customers and aficionados alike. His meticulous crafting frequently draws from European master patterns, utilizing carefully selected aged woods to ensure instruments of exemplary sound and consistent quality.
Viewing Cundall’s work provides a compelling glimpse into the dedication and artistry required by a specialist artisan in the field of string instrument making and preservation.
Photo credits: Images courtesy of The Luthier Shop website and the Office of History and Culture.
Special thanks to the Cundall family for generously loaning exhibit pieces that enrich the “Making a Scene” experience.
— The Violin Post Editorial Staff
