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Photograph by
Benjamin Harte
My
new instruments are generally made to commission. The first step in
this process is deciding what type of instrument and sound the client is
seeking. I then offer a contract which specifies the details of the work,
the estimated finishing time, and the cost. In return I ask for a 10% deposit,
which secures the client’s place on my waiting list, and covers the
initial cost of materials and preparation.
When the work is complete, there is a two-week
approval period, during which the player may become acquainted with
the instrument and any necessary adjustments made. At the end of the two
weeks, full payment becomes due, or the instrument is returned. In the latter
case, I will then offer it for sale elsewhere, and the deposit paid can be
returned once the instrument is sold.
Some players come with very fixed ideas of what they need, and I am happy
to work as closely as I can in meeting their requirements. These may
be ‘bench
copies’ of master instruments- that is, reproductions of an existing
instrument with antiqued varnish effects and superficial wear - or
more straightforward new instruments made to particular patterns and forms.
Other players like some assistance in deciding exactly what sort of instrument
is best suited to them, in terms of sound qualities, visual appearance and
physical comfort. I am very happy to discuss all these considerations, and
offer various designs from the large collection of models and patterns I
have built up over the years, or even research or design new forms.
The only caveat concerning particularly individual or unusual models
is that they may be very difficult to place with another player should
the client change their mind. Consequently in such cases I have to ask
for full payment in advance.
The choice of model is often initially down to physical size, most particularly
in the case of violas and cellos. The main concern of course is to
produce the sound that the player wants, and this can be engineered to a
high degree by the choice of pattern as well as the working of the wood and
varnish. Even the difference of a few millimetres in a violin form can change
the tonal response from light to dark. I can offer models based on most of
the great classical makers, with an emphasis on Cremona for violins, Brescia
for violas, and Venice for cellos.
The choice of wood is also very important, and I try and guide the
player to the most appropriate materials from my wood store, again
bearing in mind aesthetic and tonal requirements.
The varnishing can also be done to the player’s specification, whether ‘fresh’ or ‘antiqued’ and
to what shade.
That said, players are often quite happy to allow me a free hand in
planning and making their instrument, and trust to the results. Some
like to be very closely involved with every decision and step of the
construction, others I sometimes only see when they play their instrument
for the first time.
Current prices are around £8000 + VAT for violins, £8500 + VAT
for violas, and £13000 + VAT for cellos, all dependent on the precise
nature of the commission.
Instruments currently available
I occasionally have a few instruments in stock, some older instruments of
mine which have been traded-in and others which I find time to make
for my own interest. Currently in the workshop:
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