Next, the rib linings are cut, bent and attached to the ribs. Without the linings, there would not be enough surface on the rib edges to create a secure glue bond with the top and back. The rib linings follow the contour of the ribs and dovetail into notches in the corner blocks.

After the ribs are removed from the mold, the exposed interior of the blocks is shaped and smoothed. This removes the excess wood that was holding the block in place in the mold. With this step, the ribs are complete.

Tops and backs are cut out from either single pieces of tonewood, or from book-matched pairs joined at the center. The exterior arching is shaped by experienced violinmakers.

The graduations (finely calibrated gradations in thickness) are completed from the inside. This requires expert handwork and frequent, careful measurements to ensure precision that no machine can match. Correct graduations are essential to the sound and response of an instrument.