modern violin maker
These days, much of my work is made to commission, and I also sometimes have instruments available from stock, as well as occasionally earlier instruments on resale. Find out more about current work at work in progress.
Please contact me if you’re interested in a resale instrument or rental; there may be something coming available soon.
My instruments at the moment are mostly made to commission, though from time to time I offer earlier instruments for resale. If you’d like to know if anything suitable is coming up, please get in touch.
15 1/4 inch (38.7cm) viola based on Meares/Hardie
This was a great project which I made totally for fun, a highly decorated small viola. It actually sounds fantastic, richer, darker and deeper than you would ever expect from both its small body length and narrowness. The full story of making it is here. It’s for sale at £9000. If you’d like to try it, please contact me.
15 3/4 inch viola 1993
This viola was a commission for a violin/viola teacher many years ago. We worked together to decide the best model for her and I designed this one specifically to meet her needs, based loosely on the lovely curvy Amati model violas, and using lovely French rosewood fittings. As my customer has now retired from teaching she wanted to sell the viola. I have done some work on it including a new set-up and it’s sounding responsive and clear. It’s for sale at £6000 or I would also be happy to rent it at £60 per month.
If you are interested in the possibility of hiring an instrument and don’t see what you want below, please do contact me, as it’s possible that a suitable instrument may come up in the near future as hire periods come to an end.
For details of how the rental scheme works, visit this page of my site.
13 1/4 inch viola 2016
This is a lovely sounding little viola, easy to play and responsive. It feels just the same as a three-quarter size violin and so is perfect for a young viola player. Unusually, the back is from poplar which helps lend it a warm and soulful sound. It was used from new by a pupil at Chetham’s School of Music, who has now outgrown it and moved to the next size up. It’s available to rent at £32 per month. You can see and hear it on this video.
14 1/4 inch (36.2cm) viola 2014
This viola is the equivalent of a full-size violin. It’s first rental was to a student from Chetham’s School of Music, who has now moved to renting one of my 15 inch violas. This one is available to rent at £36 per month.
I made a violin based on this model earlier in the year, for a front-desk player in the Hallé … Read More...
