Since completing my training in historical string instrument making in London in 1994, I have been creating unique and beautifully sounding viols and violones in my workshop.
Based on historical originals, I incorporate my personal signature into the creation process. My instruments are appreciated by professional musicians and amateurs alike and are usually made to order.
Restorations, conversions and returning instruments to their original state are also an important part of my work. Here you will find some examples of my instruments.
Viols, violones, restorations and historically informed conversions back to original state
The following beautiful sounding instruments, handmade by me unless stated otherwise, are currently for sale.
My instruments are contemporary interpretations inspired by original instruments of the Renaissance and Baroque masters. They are based on the models indicated. I welcome your enquiries for different models and requests for unique and individualised instruments.
My viols are made from high quality timbers such as beautifully flamed maple or selected fruit woods for the back and ribs. The price list refers to instruments with a single line of purfling round the back and front of the instrument, the pegbox is crowned by an open scroll.
Your choice of a carved head or additional decoration is gladly undertaken and varies in price.
I am happy to assist you in finding a suitable case or can arrange to have a case made to measure. Prices for cases vary greatly, please discuss your ideas with me. I can also point you towards bow makers and help you choose a suitable bow.
M. Collichon
L. Guersan
315
320
6.800
H. Jaye
H. Jaye
350-370
400
7.200
H.Jaye
R. Fink
540
560
8.200
J. Rose
R. Meares
H. Smith
600
690
690
9.300
M.Collichon
695-720
9.900
G.da Salo
800
14.500
G.P. Maggini
960-980
17.850
G.P. Maggini
1040
19.500
This diagram is intended to help you tie the fret knot. The frets decrease in thickness from the first to the seventh fret to allow for the amplitude of the vibrating string. The thickness of the frets is a matter of personal taste. I like to start at the first fret with a gut diameter of 0.9mm for a bass viol, providing the height of the top nut allows for it. After that I use 0.8mm, 0.7mm and 0.6mm twice each.
To ensure that the knot is tight, tie it one position up on the neck and then push it into place. If tightening the knot is difficult, you can use flat-nose pliers to help. The knots are positioned on the bass side so that they do not interfere with playing.
The ends are first cut back to a few millimetres, then they are carefully singed with a lighter until the ends swell up and prevent the knot from slipping open.
The knot can be practised with a piece of string on a door handle.
