As a violin maker I have been enamored by many of the classic violins and violas from Cremona and elsewhere in Italy. The Stradivari models I have used include:
- The "Soil" of 1716
- The "Maurin" of 1718
- The "Medici" of 1716
- The "San Lorenzo" of 1718
- The "Milanollo" of 1728
The violins of Antonio Stradivari are generally regarded as being the finest in both sound and construction. At their best, they can be powerful with a silvery tone.
I have built numerous violins based upon several instruments made by Bartolomeo Guiseppe "del Gesu" Guarneri, more commonly known as "Guarneri del Gesu".
Perhaps my favorite
"del Gesu" is the instrument known as "Il Cannone" made in 1743 in Cremona, Italy. This violin was to be the favorite of Nicolo Paganini, and he performed on it from 1804 until around 1840 when he bequeathed it to the city of Genoa, Italy where it resides to this day. With its low, full and flat top arching and its strong, flat back arching it produces a dark, powerful tone with great reserve and "cushion".
For a sweeter, silvery Stradivari or Amati sound, I use the "King" [1735] and the "Violon du Diable" [1734] as models. Both of these models have a petite, refined appearance which can belie a very powerful, sophisticated tone.
I base my violas on two instruments, one made by Gasparo da Salo circa 1580 and the other on a viola made by Antonio and Hieronymus Amati (known as "The Brothers Amati") in Cremona, Italy circa 1620.
In order to build fine instruments, a maker must have a large stock of the appropriate woods. My stock of wood is comprised of hundreds of pieces of maple from the Balkans and other areas of Europe as well as spruce from Northern Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
I build my instruments using traditional violin making hand tools, employing power tools only for the rough cutting of outlines.
After many years of observing the varnishes of Classic Italian instruments, studying the available literature, consulting with my colleagues and performing endless experiments, I now have a varnish "system" which enables me to varnish my violins and violas in a manner that probably comes close to that employed by the great makers in Cremona.
Although I do not build instruments on commission, I generally have several in my show room as well as those I am currently making in my adjoining workshop.
To try any of my violins or violas, please contact me by phone or e-mail.