Making a violoncello da spalla is surprisingly straightforward:

Start with a design in mind. This allows you to conceptualize the sound you want to create. Rely on musical ratios rather than millimetres. The reason for this is simple: you can hear and feel music, but you cannot hear or feel millimetres. They simply don't resonate.

Once you've designed the sound you desire, follow the most basic common sense. If you're aiming for a rich, deep sound, choose wood that naturally possesses these qualities, instead of wood better suited for brighter, higher sounds.

Do not over-polish the surface and do not artificially age it. Life isn't perfect. Embracing this fact brings the craft of instrument making closer to what artists deem art.

Remember, every single human arrives on this planet as an innocent, pure marvel. Only a few manage to leave this life without scars, whether physical or emotional. It's okay if your instruments are pure and innocent on the inside, and carry scars on the outside - you don't have to do anything unnatural to achieve this effect if you simply allow yourself to be inspired by life.

Can these principles be applied outside the realm of music and luthiery?

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