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In the workshop 2010
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December 2010 / January 2011
My work on the cello commission is going well.
Photos of the making stages
here.
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A
Stainer Baroque Violin I made in
2006 is now for sale through the original owner, a professional
player in Germany.
The violin can be viewed and tried in Germany, or by arrangement
through me in Bristol. Please
enquire. |
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October/November:
I have been frantically busy the last months - finishing my
latest instruments, travelling to Cremona for the Bergonzi
Symposium and exhibition as well as the VSA conference in
Cleveland, Ohio.
Currently I am working on a new Cello commission for a
professional player (a slightly smaller version of Stradivari's
B-form). |
del Gesu violin
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The two new instruments are online now:
The
Violin after del Gesu (fast
becoming my favourite Violin model) and a large(ish)
Viola after Gasparo da Salo.
Follow the links to the photo pages and detailed descriptions.
Cello fake in Ukraine: a phone call from a
cellist in the Ukraine brought my attention to an anonymous cello
with a fake label with my name. Many contemporary makers will
supply a certificate with their instruments sold (as I have done
for many years). If in doubt contact the maker before
purchasing to prevent potentially expensive mistakes.
The 2010 December Strad magazine issue focuses on fakes and
forgeries and is also highlighting the problem of contemporary
instrument frauds.
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The fake label!
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July/August:
Photos of the
15 ¾'' Viola after A.
Guarneri completed in March this year are now available to view.
On the same page some thoughts on commissioning
a smaller Viola:
Often players don't consider that Viola designs
have no fixed or standard ratios of body and string length
(unlike in many violins) and will only ask for an instrument in
progressively smaller body lengths.
I believe that the body and string length can be seen initially -
within reason - as almost separate entities.....
read more... |
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With the summer in full swing and after a holiday break in Galizia
I am now back at the bench.
My newest Da Salo Viola is nearing its final sound
adjustment stages - I plan to show it at an exhibition later this
year - so photos might take a while. Also for the same event I am
starting a new del Gesu violin - updates in a couple of months.
The 2010
Strad Cello has just sold,
leaving at present only my
2007/2008 Cello available.
It has an even, warm and very responsive sound with a rich bass.
Trials are welcome.Later in the year I hope to find time to
start a slightly smaller Ruggieri model Cello.
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June: The
Amati Viola model (413mm) is now
available to try in
Brussels.
With the nice summer weather, world cup and Wimbledon I am still
managing some work and looking forward to the varnishing of my
newest da Salo Viola.
My 2009
del Gesu Violin has just sold
sold to a promising young player in London.
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some photos of the last Strad cello online now
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April/May: The last months have been busy as usual - the
small Viola after Guarneri has been received with very good
comments, also
recently put to good use in a private performance in 2 Mozart
quintets where its tone was very appreciated.
Also just finished my latest
Guarneri Violin - sounding great
and very nice to look at as well.
The latest project on the bench a Gasparo da Salo Viola, 16
½, progressing very well. |
detail of del Gesu corner
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February/March:
As in previous years I shall be exhibiting my work at the
forthcoming BVMA makers day in London.
Sunday, 7. March: 10am – 4pm; The Old Sessions House, Clerkenwell
Green, EC1R 0NA.
Please
contact me if you wish to make
an appointment to see and try a specific instrument.
The latest project has been a commission for a 400mm Viola,
inspired by proportions of the Violas by Andrea Guarneri.
Soon ready for varnishing.
Photos and descriptions of instruments finished in the 2cd. half
of 2009 are now available - just click the photo links below. Also
some spontaneous thoughts about the
fashion or anti-fashion of
certain Viola models.
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Stradivari
Viola after 1690 Tuscan
Violin after Stradivari Viotti 1709
Grancino Viola model |
