Timeless Strings
@VirtuosoFidlArt
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Professional Luthiers. Celebrating tradition, embracing innovation. 🎼
United Kingdom
Joined April 2023
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This most recent instrument is almost ready to be played (before varnishing). It's a moment marked by excitement, curiosity, and a hint of apprehension.
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Discovering notes hidden within instruments provides a glimpse into the past and the stories of those who worked on them. Although the practice is widely frowned upon today, it adds a layer of history and intrigue to the instrument's journey through time.
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Here are two violins, each marking significant points in my journey of replicating the appearance of old instruments. The violin nestled at the back of the bench is my most recent creation, while the one placed at the front dates back to 1997. The owner of this violin returned to
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Our latest project is complete! We've transformed this violin in our workshop, taking care of vital tasks such as adding new strings, a bridge, and a soundpost. We also gave it a detailed cleaning and polish and the meticulous touch of peg bushings – plugging the original peg
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This violin holds a special place in our collection, cherished for its rich history and exquisite craftsmanship. Crafted in the early 1700s, likely by the renowned Klotz family, possibly Sebastian, from the picturesque Mittenwald region of Germany, it embodies the timeless
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Celebrating the debut of this instrument, it marks a special moment filled with excitement, curiosity, and a hint of anticipation. I'm truly thrilled with the beautiful sound it produces. Fiona, a cherished friend and talented violinist, commended its easy playability and the
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In the realm of violins, the double bass is a little bit unusual. Its impressive size can make it a bit challenging to handle, especially when it comes to maintenance.
Despite our spacious workshop, the benches are not quite large enough to accommodate these large instruments.
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This week, we have a German-made violin on the bench, made probably around the late 1800s, awaiting its turn for some tender care. Crafted in a time when these instruments were produced in abundance by artisans in a cottage industry setting, they may not be the most extravagant,
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Did you know that bow making is a separate profession to the making of the instruments they're used on? Bows are made by archetiers, while the instrument are made by luthiers. However, we do perform bow rehairs!
The earliest recorded use of horse hair for instrument bows dates
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Currently, we're tasked with fitting a new set of pegs to this violin. The original peg holes have been bushed with new timber, and now it's time to map out the placement for the pegs. While it may not be the most daunting task, it does require thoughtful consideration. We must
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"This is the latest instrument being tried by good friend and accomplished violinist and teacher, Fiona Hutchins. I'm pleased with the results at this stage. As it begins to be played in, it may require some adjustments to the bridge and soundpost; time will tell."
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This violin currently on the bench is a typical example of French craftsmanship from the late 1800s. Displaying deeply figured maple on the back and straight grained spruce to the front, it exudes sophistication without excess ornamentation, a hallmark of French artistry from
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Our workshop is a space we have worked on and in for years. It has evolved as a place of beauty, positivity, and devotion (if sometimes a place of frustration and challenges). We seize each moment, fostering innovation and resilience, creating a thriving professional landscape.
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Here, we have two violins, each with its own story. One, made around 1880, probably hailing from Germany, nestled in a case from that same bygone era. The other is a contemporary instrument from China. Despite their origins spanning nearly 150 years, they share striking
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In the timeless backdrop, a lone cello stands among silent violins. Each string carries a tale, each note paints a world. This is more than music - it's a story echoing with enduring elegance.
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Wishing all a musical, joyful Friday filled with numerous instruments!
May the melodies uplift your spirits and set the tone for a wonderful weekend ahead! 🎼
"The joy that arises from music makes us forget the troubles of life." - Seneca
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This violin is undergoing a common repair known as peg bushings. Over time, the pegs wear down the wood in the peg box, causing them to slip and prevent them from holding the strings in tune. To rectify this, the peg holes are cleaned, plugged with timber, and reformed entirely.
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Presenting the newest violin, adorned with its first layer of varnish. The initial coatings, particularly the initial few, are delightfully straightforward, serving as clear layers to safeguard and accentuate the inherent charm of the timber. These varnish layers and any
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Here, we have two violin bridges. On the left, a bridge blank awaits its transformation. Meanwhile, on the right is an old bridge cut by a very well-respected London violin shop.
In the world of violin making, most artisans acquire their blanks from esteemed French
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This English violin is still in its baroque form, most likely with its original boxwood pegs. This is fairly unusual, as most violin old violins have been adapted to accommodate the higher tension of modern strings.
A typical feature of English violins that this instrument
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As a luthier, I am positioned at the crossroads of artisan tradition and musical heritage. Our title, "Luthier," originates from the French "luth", signifying a maker of lutes. This term has roots from Arabic "العود" (al-‘ūd), a word that represents the lute, but also "the
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This week, we had a rather unique request land on our workbench. A client sought to adorn his violin pegs with gold decorations, adding a touch of opulence to his instrument. Though not particularly arduous, the task demanded precision and care to ensure the decorations sat
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You observe here three violin scrolls, captured at successive stages of the varnishing sequence. The leftmost scroll, pristine and 'in the white,' is prepared for the varnishing that will enhance both its aesthetic and durability.
The central scroll, exhibiting a warm, amber
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Currently, we have an instrument on the bench that has endured some damage from common furniture beetles, widely known as woodworm. Repairing the damage these little creatures cause can be difficult and time-consuming. Fortunately, the damage here isn't too severe, and it hasn't
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The process of applying the varnish is really starting to come together now. I'm finding a certain satisfaction in this stage, even though it still has its challenges. Many of us who strive for that beautifully aged look on our instruments understand just how tricky it can be.
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We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. - Aristotle
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Our company caters to the musical needs of individuals. With a legacy spanning over 30 years, we've had the privilege of connecting with musicians of all levels, from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic amateurs. What ties them together is their unwavering dedication and
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Fiona, a talented violinist, occasionally joins us in the workshop and has embarked on her own journey into violin making. Despite having no prior experience in this craft, she's making impressive progress, especially with crafting her scroll. While explaining the standard
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In the conservative realm of violin craftsmanship, where traditions have endured for over three centuries, this unusual lion's head, a departure from the conventional scroll, adds a touch of rarity to the instrument. While these heads may not always embellish the most expensive
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The bridge, an essential component in string instruments such as violins, violas, cellos, and double basses, plays a critical role in sound production and instrument playability. This piece must balance robustness to withstand the string tension with the requisite flexibility to
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Here, we're comparing three distinct f holes found on three violins.
The one on the left embodies classic French craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from Stradivari's designs, featuring clean cuts and graceful lines. In the upper photo, we have a German f hole influenced by the
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"Shooting the fingerboard" is a common term in instrument maintenance, referring to the process of reshaping and smoothing the fingerboard that has developed grooves from the strings. It involves carefully finishing and polishing the surface to maintain proper playability.
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One job this week has been to fit some new pegs to a violin. Although a fairly routine task, it must be executed with accuracy and finesse.
The design of the pegs has essentially remained unchanged since the very early violins, with the taper of the peg shaft relying on friction
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In the very traditional realm of crafting violins, age-old techniques persist through the years. It's often observed that if the master makers of the past were to step into a contemporary workshop, much would feel familiar—except, of course, for the presence of electricity. One
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Replicating esteemed ancient works is an acknowledged, although demanding practice. In this case, we unveil a duplicate of a highly respected scroll. The varnishing will pose the most formidable challenge in this undertaking.
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The captivating Balkan maple on the left marks the beginning of creating a violin's back. It's slightly unusual in it being a single piece, deviating from the usual two-piece style. Over weeks of devoted craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, this maple evolves into
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This latest project is based on the renowned elegance of French maker George Chanot. I'm fairly satisfied with the progress so far, as I've reached the delicate phase of refining each intricate detail. Determining when a piece is complete can be challenging, as the desire to
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The allure of unveiled beautiful, the charm of refined craftsmanship.
One awaits the varnish's touch, its partner ready to share sophisticated melodies.
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Carved in grace, the cello's back hums with the promise of unplayed notes. 🎼
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In the meticulous craft of replicating an instrument, it's essential to observe and embrace the varnish's subtleties. Note the distinctive patterns where the varnish has gracefully aged, the delicate accumulation of patina-evoking dirt, and the allure that wear has contributed to
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Crafting a new violin involves a less glamorous yet essential task: fitting the neck snugly into the body. While it may lack the allure of carving scrolls or cutting f-holes, achieving a perfect fit is vital for the instrument's resonance and playability.
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Our latest project, a copy of an old scroll, is shaping up well. While it's not finished, it's on the right track after a little setback. Last week, on a chilly day, I placed the scroll too close to the workshop woodburner, unintentionally causing the varnish to bubble slightly
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Side by side, a cadre of violins rest, nestled in the comforting embrace of the rack. Each string carries a tale, each note paints a world. In their unity, they paint a singular panorama of potential.
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This is a perspective familiar to violin artisans but perhaps unusual to others. It's a view of the soundpost through the end-pin hole. The soundpost is an approximately 6mm dowel made of close-grained spruce, meticulously cut to fit the contours of the front and back of the
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You need to know this about your instrument! Varnish recipes are more than a mere mixture of gums and resins; their recipes are shrouded with secrets in the world of Luthiers.
Ingredients and techniques dating back to the Renaissance have been passed on in an unbroken chain
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In the realm of crafting violins, these beautiful gums and resins play a crucial role in creating the perfect violin varnish. For artisans deeply devoted to the art of violin making, the journey towards discovering the ideal recipe becomes a captivating, all-encompassing, and
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"We've had to revisit some prior work on this violin, particularly addressing damage to the peg box known as an 'A peg crack.' Unfortunately, a previous repairer resorted to cutting away significant portions of the pegbox and replacing them with mismatched timber. Our task now
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At the genesis of its journey, the violin, raw and unvarnished, proudly stands tall, alluding to the extraordinary odyssey it's destined to traverse, from the workshop to the soul of the symphony.
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Unveiling our distinguished 16.25-inch Viola, meticulously handcrafted to embody the essence of prestigious artistry.
It's everything we stand for: timeless elegance, rich tones, and harmony between tradition and innovation.
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Welcoming an unusual bass viol into our workshop, we discovered a setback – its ebony hook bar had sadly fractured. Through meticulous restoration, we're committed to ensuring this instrument maintains its ability to produce beautiful and resonant sounds.
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"Music is the universal language of harmony, connecting individuals and cultures across the boundaries of time and place." - Confucius
On the vibrant tapestry of Twitter, where voices converge and perspectives intertwine, may we aspire to foster the unifying power music
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In the luther's world, patience isn't a virtue; it's a necessity. Meet Rose Madder (Rubia tinctorum), the plants root has been used as a source of vibrant orange-red dye since antiquity. Its legacy extends from cloth dyeing to the crafting of violins, imparting a warm hue to the
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Labour of love: applying layers of varnish to an instrument. It often mirrors the time devoted to the intricate woodwork, elevating both beauty and sound.
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In the gloom of night, here stands a beacon, a symphony of light. 💡
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Have you ever wondered how a string quartet manages to play in perfect harmony? The answer may surprise you!
Researchers have uncovered the secret to body language for optimum music performance!
In a fascinating study, it was found that the assigned leader in a quartet has a
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The feature on the instrument's button is called an ebony crown. What sets this one apart is its distinctive inward-curving bottom points, adding a touch of sophistication while presenting a much greater challenge during the fitting process.
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"To feel ambition and to act upon it is to embrace the unique calling of our souls. Not to act upon that ambition is to turn our backs on ourselves and on the reason for our existence."
-Steven Pressfield
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It's been an interesting week at the workshop with a Stroh violin making its way to us. Crafted by August Stroh in the late 19th century, this unusual instrument boasts a metal resonator and horn, resulting in a truly distinct sound. Its special design, particularly evident in
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Johannes Vermeer's 'The Music Lesson' – a poignant echo of our own musical journeys.
Do you remember the first time you played an instrument, its unspoken promise beneath your fingers? Each note you struck painted a symphony of future potential. The echo of your first
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In making violins, two woods, spruce (left) and Bosnian maple (right), stand out for their distinct contributions. Each wood possesses its own allure and plays a vital role in shaping the violin's sound and artistry.
Spruce, steeped in a rich heritage, reigns supreme as the
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"This is a fundamental truth about any sort of practice: If you never push yourself beyond your comfort zone, you will never improve."
-Anders Ericsson
Make time for your instrument today!
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10 Essential Considerations When Purchasing an Antique Violin
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1. Start by visually inspecting the violin. The visual appeal of the instrument can significantly influence how a player interacts with it. If the violin is aesthetically pleasing, you're more likely to and
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This tool, known as a block plane, is an essential piece of equipment for the violin maker. It's neither the largest nor the smallest plane, but it is particularly versatile. The capping iron (the blue part) isn't original to the plane and was present when I received it
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A beautiful Chinese antique violin, it radiates elegance of a bygone era.
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Amidst the digital world of endless scrolls, pause and savour this one.
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The violin scroll, an unassuming masterpiece, rests, silently resonating with the echoes of countless unseen performances. This is more than wood and craft; it's a stage where unspoken sonatas dance in timeless elegance.
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"I never practice; I always play." - Wanda Landowska
Make time for your instrument today! 🎼
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An elegant lineup of melodic potential - Share a photo of your bow below 👇
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"What we get when we turn pro is we find our power. We find our will and our voice, and we find our self-respect. We become who we always were but had, until then, been afraid to embrace and live out."
-Steven Pressfield
Make time for your instrument, your craft - for joy.
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Shaped by tradition, refined through time: behold, the violin's bridge, delicately poised and adjusted.
Unbeknownst to many unacquainted with the instrument, the bridge is not glued down - allowing for the perfect balance of resonance and timbre.
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Through the shaping of the gouge and the refinement of the plane, we create a front plate ready for the delicate touches of the scraper. Keep an eye out for our upcoming video delving into this process - it's part of the higher quality content we've been recently crafting.
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Recognizing the importance of craftsmanship alongside the quality of sound, explore this detailed view of a violin front. Highlighting the artistry in the inlay, called purfling, and the elegant, flowing lines of its corners.
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Wishing you a happy Friday!
"To miss the joy is to miss all." - Robert Louis Stevenson.
(Let the music commence)
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Bosnian maple: a tree from Europe's mountainous heart.
Traditionally used for the backs, ribs and necks of violins.
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Acer saccharum
Nature's beauty meets human ingenuity.
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Which is the violin, which the viola? Prove your knowledge below! 🪕⏬️
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Step into the luthier's studio, as we turn a crack of despair into a note of hope in an antique violin!
As luthiers, we find joy and satisfaction in these restorations, breathing new life instruments once feared to be lost to time.
Let's delve into the procedure undertaken on
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A large plane (with a meticulously sharpened blade) is crucial in violin making. Primarily used in flattening plates and jointing edges.
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F holes, or sinuous apertures-winding, curving openings-are found on string instruments like violins. They facilitate sound projection and amplify the instrument's volume by allowing sound to resonate and project outward. Fun fact below 👇
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Still in the early stages of construction. The timber on which the sides are placed will form the front of the instrument. 🎻👍
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Fun fact: f holes design was inspired by ancient calligraphy!
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This 1/16 violin, resting on a sheet of A4 paper, highlights the incredible world of music that welcomes even the smallest of learners.
Crafted for young children, it serves as a testament to the notion that age shouldn't limit one's ability to express creativity through music.
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