0161 972 0839 helen@helenviolinmaker.com

Helen Violin Maker

modern violin maker

  • About
    • About Helen
  • Work in progress
  • Workshop
    • Violins
    • Violas
    • Small size violins and violas
    • Cellos
    • Commissioning an instrument
    • Rental
    • Currently available
    • Instrument blankets
    • How to look after your instrument
  • Talks and articles
    • Talks and articles
    • Helen’s blog
    • Violin Varnish book
  • Contact

Work In Progress

329: 14 1/4 inch (33.7cm) cornerless viola 2021

4th September 2021

This is the second viola of a commission from a viola teacher in Hong Kong, who is building a collection of fine instruments to loan to his pupils. It’s my usual cornerless design, which I have made many times over the years and which has helped a fair few fledgling viola players on their way. …read more

328: 13 1/4 inch (33.7cm) viola 2021

5th August 2021

This is the smallest size of viola I make, equivalent to a 3/4 size violin. It’s a commission from a viola teacher in Hong Kong, who wants it to lend to his pupils. I really enjoy making these small violas, testing my expertise to deliver the best possible sound at an improbably small size, and …read more

327: 14 1/4 inch (36.2cm) cornerless viola 2021

7th July 2021

This viola is a commission from America, from a player who does a lot of chamber music and who wants a small, manageable instrument that will hold its own. Abi and I have discussed what they are after, by Zoom and email, so I’m ready to start. The first choice is the wood. The front …read more

326: 15 inch viola based on 18th century English instrument, 2021

12th June 2021

This viola is a commission from a player who has braved the complications of lockdown to try and find her perfect instrument. I sent two small violas to her by courier to try, which she liked but which didn’t quite fit the bill. After discussing by email and video call we have established, I hope, …read more

325: 16 1/4 inch (41.2cm) viola based on Antonio Stradivari 1672 ‘Mahler’, 2021

30th April 2021

As lockdown continues into February of 2021 and customers are thin on the ground, I’m continuing my survey of what I call the Stradivari Outliers: the models which are atypical of the Stradivari workshop output. This started by accident, when I measured and then made the 1734 ‘Habeneck’ violin, in fact by Francesco Stradivari, Antonio’s …read more

324: violin based on Carlo Bergonzi 1731, 2021

3rd April 2021

New year, new lockdown. We violin makers are so lucky to have work we enjoy and I really feel the benefit of a nice warm, quiet, safe environment to work in. Never has my lovely purpose-built workshop seemed more enticing. As orders are thin on the ground I’m enjoying continuing my exploration of models I’ve …read more

323: cello based on ‘de Munck’ Stradivari 1730

26th February 2021

I’ve had a long period of catching up with odd jobs, varnishing and finishing instruments, also preparing and cooking resins for varnish, and some work for the charity I chair which supports student violin makers, www.rabtrust.org. Now at last I’m properly back at the workbench, with an exciting new project. I’ve had this cello model …read more

322: 14 1/4 inch (36.2cm) cornerless viola 2020

28th October 2020

This viola is a commission from a family in the West Midlands, UK, for their musical son. He’s on a smaller viola at present and we have timed  making the viola, I hope, so he will be just ready for it when it’s finished. The back and front are made from solid wood, two pieces …read more

321: 14 1/4 inch (36.2cm) cornerless viola 2020

29th August 2020

I don’t know if there is any connection with the Covid-19 pandemic, but I’ve had a surge in interest in my small violas for young players. Perhaps it’s just chance or maybe families and teachers are extra-focussed on the wellbeing and development of their children. Whatever the reason, I’m always happy to make these small …read more

320: Violin based on Antonio Stradivari 1734 ‘Habeneck’

15th August 2020

This is fast becoming my signature violin model! I made it for the first time last year as a commission for a front-desk player in the Hallé Orchestra; I thought it would meet her requirements, and I love its quirky charm and asymmetry. There are many aspects of the design which work especially well to …read more

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • Next Page »

Get in Touch

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Site Links

  • Violins
  • Violas
  • Cellos
  • Commissioning an instrument
  • Instrument rental
  • Instrument blankets
  • How to look after your instrument
  • Contact Helen Michetschläger

Contact Helen

1A Grasmere Road
Sale
Manchester
M33 3QU
UK

helen@helenviolinmaker.com
Visit Helen on Facebook

0161 972 0839
0044 161 972 0839

Latest from Helen

339: Violin based on Antonio Stradivari 1734 ‘Habeneck’ 2023

I've made this violin model regularly over the last few years; it reliably produces a powerful and … Read More...

Copyright © 2023 Helen Michetschläger · Privacy Policy · Site Map

Fernandes Creative