Steffen Nowak 
Maker of fine Violins, Violas and Cellos in baroque and modern style
75 Sylvia Avenue, Bristol, BS3 5BU, UK  tel +44 (0) 117 9777141

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In the workshop 2009
 

   London

Berlin 

Brussels

 


Bremen


 Paris


  
Vienna
 

Instruments now also available  in  Berlin, Bremen, Brussels, London, Paris and Vienna

Some selected instruments of mine can now be tried in  various European locations.  Available at workshops of esteemed colleagues who have my full confidence in offering the same quality advice on their trial and  purchase. 
Please enquire for more information.
 

September to November: The recent months have been quite eventful so that the web update has been neglected.
In brief though: exhibitions in Cremona and Paris and my last 3 instruments have kept me busy.
Recently finished are now a Stradivari model violin after the 1709 Viotti, a Grancino style 413mm Viola with a gorgeous 2 piece slab back, and a copy of the Tuscan-Medici  Stradivari Viola of 1690 (at the Library of Congress Washington).
Photos will follow soon.

Presently I am working on a Stradivari B-form Cello - to be completed early in the new year, also starting an exciting midsize 400mm Viola commission based on Andrea Guarneri Viola proportions.

My last available Baroque Violin after Stradivari has just been purchased by a major German Musikhochschule.
If you are looking for a special baroque/ classical violin please enquire for model and order possibilities.
Occasionally I will still make one to be 'freely' available,  but a commission can ensure your input regarding sound and model.
 

July/ August: After the summer break: Finishing touches to the latest 2 instruments, re-organizing my wood store, and getting ready with some autumn projects: a viola commission and a Cello once time allows.
 

June:
The Guarneri Violin  (photos uploaded now) has recently been 'played in 'by Robert Hyman of the Bath Pump Room Trio.
Since finishing that I have been very busy starting 2 new instruments for a forthcoming exhibition later in the year.
 

           
 

I shall be exhibiting my instruments at the forthcoming ' String Day' at the RNCM  in Manchester.
Sunday 21 June 2009, 9.30am until late afternoon.
Please contact  me if you wish to make an appointment to see and try a specific instrument.
 

May: The Guarneri violin is almost ready now - pictures of the varnished instrument coming soon....a few shots of the purfling style and arching concept:
 

              

              

some Guarneri del Gesu arching & edging details    
 

April: Come and visit the forthcoming Lutherie 2009 event in Newark on Trent, Saturday, 2nd May 2009 10.30 - 4.30.
Always an interesting event with varied topics of interest to the maker and Violin enthusiast and a wide range of trade stalls.
I shall be attending with a selection of seasoned violin wood and violin books.
Any special requests - please
contact  me before with your requirements.

Here some pictures of the del Gesu violin in progress:
a deeply flamed Bosnian maple back with matching ribs, and an Italian spruce front are the right combination to achieve my ideal del Gesu sound: a dark and warm quality with rich overtones and a good projection.
To achieve that I am looking for a  low density front (light weight and strong) and a firm 'punchy' back. Together with a del Gesu specific thicknessing system, arching shape, a pinch of garlic and the right wine (after closing shop for the day) its well on the way....
 

         

my own and a facsimile label glued in                                                 purfling tools and groove marked out

            

ribs with linings and blocks                                                                     bottom block with brand stamps
 

March: A new modern violin after Guarneri del Gesu is taking shape on the bench.

Photos of the 2009 Mantegazza Viola are now online here.


 

The BVMA exhibition in early March was a successful event, with many musicians trying instruments and getting to know many of the exhibitors who come together for this ever more important showcase of contemporary making. Many thanks here to all who tried my instruments and who I had the pleasure to meet in person.
 

February:
I shall be exhibiting my work at the forthcoming BVMA makers day in London.
Sunday, 8. March: 10am – 4pm;  The Old Sessions House, Clerkenwell Green.
Please contact  me if you wish to make an appointment to see and try a specific instrument.
A new 16'' (406mm) Viola after Mantegazza is well on the way. More details and photos coming up soon.
 

January 2009:  The latest Viola inspired by Grancino  is finished and can seen in detail here.

On the instruments page is a new link to the 'archive' where you can retrieve photos and description of my instruments made and sold in previous years.
 

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