0161 972 0839 helen@helenviolinmaker.com

Helen Violin Maker

modern violin maker

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    • About Helen
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    • Talks and articles
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violins with character and personality

Violins

Violins have always been an important part of my work. I use several different models which I choose both for their acoustic quality and the inspiration I gain from the beauty of their design and workmanship; my favourite makers include Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù, Antonio Stradivari, GB Guadagnini, Paolo Maggini and Carlo Bergonzi.

In 2019 I had two wonderful violin commissions: a Maggini model violin for the principal second violinist of the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Wisconsin, and a copy of the Stradivari ‘Habeneck’ violin for Philippa Heys, the sub-principal second violinist of the Hallé orchestra. Both in their different ways were looking for a similar sort of sound; rich, warm, with a good lower register and capable of blending, but with power and projection too. For more detail on how I approached these commissions, see my Work in progress page, and read what Philippa says about her violin:

I commissioned Helen to make my violin in the spring of 2019. When speaking to her about what I was looking for in terms of sound, she filled me with confidence. I was involved every step of the way, and she even let my children help to make it! It was ready at the end of August, and I was instantly struck by the quality of the sound. It is incredibly resonant and has wonderful clarity. It has fantastic depth in the lower strings, and an equally impressive top register. In my job as an orchestral musician I need power and the ability to be soft and blend. It gives me both, and there is always warmth and quality in the sound even when very soft. The word that keeps coming to mind to describe this instrument is genuine – perhaps a rare quality! I am very proud to own this beautiful violin, and I couldn’t recommend Helen more.

I have also been commissioned from time to time to make slightly undersized violins. For those I have chosen an early Guarneri del Gesù model which is slightly less than full size – perfect for players who have small hands but who were keen to maintain power and richness of sound.

Whatever model I use, I aim to make violins which are responsive, and that have character and personality from new, developing further as the instrument is played. I choose the materials carefully for optimal sound quality and appearance.

My violins are owned by orchestral and chamber music players, students and teachers, and by the collections of the Royal College of Music, Royal Northern College of Music, York University and the Benslow Loan Scheme.

 

  • Xavier Pleindoux, principal 2nd violin, Madison Orchestra, Wisconsin
    The violin based on Paolo Maggini c.1630 that Helen made for me was a commission and I am extremely pleased with both the commission process and the final result. Helen was professional and thorough with her questions as well as knowledgeable and helpful with my questions during the step-by-step collaboration of the making process. The finished instrument has beautiful varnish, refined workmanship, rich tone, dark voice, powerful projection, and is easy to play. I very much enjoyed seeing and reading about the progress of the violin on Helen's website and can wholeheartedly recommend Helen's instruments.
  • Lucia D’Avanzo-Lewis, freelance violinist

    I am getting to know the violin better and better and have enjoyed playing [on trial] with WNO and now freelancing with the BBC Symphony Orchestra.  I also performed Bruch’s 3rd violin concerto with a local orchestra and had a great reaction from the audience, orchestra and conductor.

  • Fiona Gibbs, final year violin student, King’s College, London
    I played my violin at my final recital a couple of weeks ago and it was the first time in a long time that I had really enjoyed performing. I'm sure that a lot of that was down to my new violin.
  • Isobel Connell, freelance violinist, Suffolk
    I feel incredibly lucky to have finally not only found an instrument I love, but to have been part of a very special and personal journey. Thank you... I am enjoying playing with a reignited enthusiasm. The violin is already opening up and has both a sweetness and a depth which is beautiful.
  • Philippa Heys, sub-principal 2nd violin, Hallé Orchestra
    I am very proud to own this beautiful violin, and I couldn’t recommend Helen more
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Contact Helen

1A Grasmere Road
Sale
Manchester
M33 3QU
UK

helen@helenviolinmaker.com
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0161 972 0839
0044 161 972 0839

Latest from Helen

340: 14 1/4 inch (33.7cm) cornerless viola 2023

There's a lot of demand at present for my smaller rental violas, which offer a true viola sound and … Read More...

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