ORDERS
I usually build to Order but I do occasionally have instruments ready for sale,
Click here to find out what is currently available.
I specialize in building historical stringed instruments from the Violin and Viol families, with a particular focus on instruments with sympathetic resonant strings such as the Viola d'amore.
I make historically accurate models for early repertoire, as well as innovative, modern interpretations suitable for a wide range of musical genres. In both instances, my inspiration derives from the rich craftsmanship and non-standardized characteristics of early instruments.
I continually measure old instruments in museums and collections to inform my work towards greater historical accuracy and creativity.
Ordering process
Starting the process..
Firstly we discuss what you are looking for- musical requirements, size, tuning and stringing, aesthetics and decoration.
If you have not yet seen one of my instruments I can normally make one available for you to try in my workshop or arrange for you to meet the owner.
Design
I will then draw up a design to realise everything you need from the instrument and once we have agreed, I ask for a £100 deposit which confirms your place on my waiting list.
“I ASKED FOR AN INSTRUMENT THAT COULD EFFECTIVELY NAVIGATE THE ENTIRE RANGE OF VIOLA D’AMORE REPERTOIRE, FROM THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY RIGHT UP TO THE PRESENT. WHILE IT IS PRIMARILY CONFIGURED IN A ‘TYPICAL’ BAROQUE SETUP WITH GUT PLAYING STRINGS AND WIRE SYMPATHETIC STRINGS, I ALSO REQUESTED THAT THE INSTRUMENT BE ABLE TO COPE WITH WIRE PLAYING STRINGS, VARIOUS TENSIONS, SYNTHETIC CORE MODERN STRINGS, AND ANYTHING ELSE THAT I COULD THINK OF. THIS WAS A BIG ASK AND JONATHAN CAME UP WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL INSTRUMENT. IT IS A CONVERTIBLE 7/7 TO 6/6 SETUP. THIS ALLOWS THE MOST FLEXIBILITY FOR ME.”
“THE ORDERING PROCESS WAS SIMPLE AND STRAIGHTFORWARD - I WAS LUCKY TO TIME MY INQUIRIES AT A POINT WHERE I COULD TRY OUT AN INSTRUMENT AND TALK WITH JONATHAN ABOUT THE EXACT SPECIFICATION I WAS AIMING FOR”
Making
Once I have completed previous orders and I am ready to begin making your instrument, I ask for a 20% deposit to cover material costs.
The making process then takes between 1-3 months depending on the complexity of the build and decorative elements.
“I ENJOYED THE FEELING OF AN INSTRUMENT BEING MADE SPECIALLY FOR ME AND BEING GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPECIFY MY PREFERENCES IN THE BUILD OF IT. IT WAS TREMENDOUSLY EXCITING TO SEE IT COMPLETED AFTER A LONG PERIOD OF CONSTRUCTION.”
Collection
Once the instrument is completed you can then collect it from my workshop or we can arrange delivery. The outstanding balance is to be paid on collection.
Any fine tuning can also be made at this stage so that you can get the most from the instrument in terms of sound and playability.
Prices;
4/8 Violin d’amore starting at £6,900
5/10 Violin d’amore starting at £7,900
6/6 Viola d’amore starting at £8,900.
7/7 Viola d’amore starting at £9,900.
Lira da braccio starting at £7,400.
For other instruments please contact me- Prices are dependant on design and amount of decoration so email me to discuss what you are looking for.
Prices do not include a case. I am happy to advise and order a suitable case for you.
Payment Methods;
fiat bank/wire transfer (Wise.com / Paypal for overseas)
Cash
Bitcoin (BTC) - either in full or as a part payment combined with fiat.