Meet the Makers of 2023
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Table 1: Judith Moser & Tibor Szemmelveisz
Based in North London Tibor specialises in making and restoring high quality instruments. He shares the workshop with Judith Moser, who is a very experienced violin restorer.
Email: tibors@btinternet.com
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TABLE 2: Draskoczy Violins
Hungarian Born Gabor Draskoczy started playing the violin at the age of 6 and by 10 he had decided he wanted to become a violin maker. Driven by this dream he graduated in violin making from Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in 1996.
Gabor's meticulous bench copies not only create the appearance of the originals but has the warm, rich tone of the Old Italian Instruments. His experience and devotion to further mastering his techniques led him to win medals at multiple of the Violin Society of America Competitions; double gold medal in 2016, Silver in 2018 and most recently silver again in 2022.
Instagram: @gabordraskoczy
Email :draskviolin@gmail.com
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Table 2: Truestedt Bows
Trained as a violin maker in Mittenwald, Franziska studied the craft of bowmaking in Munich with Markus Worz, applying the French method of Stephane Thomachot.
She honed her skills with respected contemporary makers such Noel Burke in Ireland and at l’Atelier d’Arthur with Alexandre Aumont and Arthur Dubroca. She regularly spends time working alongside Emmanuel Carlier in Paris, creating entirely handcrafted bows with excellent playing and sound qualities, following French tradition.
Since 2020, she has run her own bow making and restoration business in London, serving professional players and studying French masters’ bows.
Away from work, Franziska enjoys singing in the London Symphony Chorus.
Email: franziska@truestedt-bows.com
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Table 3&4: Andreas Pahler/ALPENTONHOLZ
Andreas Pahler is a Mittenwald trained violin maker. He studied forestry at TUM in Munich before opening his tonewood sawmill in the old farmers house of his parents amongst 3 cats, a dog and 10 chicken. Several years later he and his team moved to the 1000m² warehouse in Altomünster 40 minutes from Munich airport.
Email: info@alpentonholz.de
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Table 6: Late Stuart Carruthers
Stuart learned to play the violin at young age and could not continue due to shortcomings in life. Yet, he went on to become a Professional Brass player and played in many Orchestras and made career out of it.
He had extra ordinary talent in sculpture crafting.
At his later year of life, he wanted to make a violin and joined Merton College and successfully made his first and his last violin leaving the instrument to begin its journey. His Profound appreciation extended to Keith Graves for unparallel support.
Just before his departure, Stuart enjoyed listening to his violin played by Professional players and, was elated to hear the praise his violin deserved. His violin is currently being played by Orchestra players and Soloist.
He is no longer with us, but his violin will continue to remind us of his presence through the music and musicians.
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Table 6: Ram Sathiakumar
Years of my life have been dedicated to my personal research, structured by Aerospace Engineering education and understanding the path of invention.
My workmanship skills aim to integrate and accomplish the most refined colour tone of the violins. Embracing the extensive knowledge and key facets of the Legendary Masters in the violin family such as Guarneri and Stradivari, my craft is uncompromised in its quality and end result.
My sincere gratitude extended to my dear teachers, Malcolm Healey and Keith Graves for the abundant support and continuous guidance.
Email: ramsathiakumar@gmail.com
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Table 7: Okan Violins
Luthier Atilla Okan has thirty years experience in violin making and restoration. He is a lecturer at Ege University STMC, Department of Instrument Making. In collaboration with Ecevit Tunali, he participated in several workshops on violin making and restoration. Atilla’a violins have been presented as prizes at Violin Contests.
In 2014, at Julie Reed Yeboah Restoration and Consultation Workshop, New York, he studied traditional Italian violin making and restoration techniques. He applies these techniques in his violin making methodology.
Instagram: @okanviolins
Email: info@okanviolins.com
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Table 8A: Lark Music
Nothing brings people together like music can. For more than 25 years, we’ve been helping musicians of all ages and abilities protect what they care about most: their instruments and equipment.
Our musical instrument insurance is note perfect – designed for people who make music happen, by people who love music. Whether you’re a professional on the world stage, a beginner with your very first instrument, or a collector, dealer or instrument maker, we can offer flexible, cost-effective and specialist cover that means you can play on, protected.
Facebook: larkmusicalinstruments
Email: music@larkmusic.com
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Table 9: Philip Brown Violins
Working in collaboration with the Swiss-based Rose Handy we have developed models spanning the 16th and 19th centuries. We appreciate this collaborative approach. We bring English features to French models picking the best of both. We have models from Renaissance to the Romantic periods. Last year Philip worked on a project with American bowmaker Lee Guthrie reproducing a hybrid cello bow model based on several extant Panormo bows - resulting in a bow hat is very well received by players.
Instagram: @georfrederichaendel
Facebook: Philip Brown Violins
Email: philip@philipbrownviolins.co.uk
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Table 9: IJmkje van der Werf Violin Maker & Restorer
IJmkje is a violin maker and restorer working in Cambridgeshire. She has fourteen years professional experience of which seven specialising in cellos. She works part time in the workshop of the Royal Academy of Music in London and regularly at Philip Brown Violins in Newbury. In her own workshop at home she makes new instruments, mainly violins, and takes on occasional small repairs and maintenance work as well as more extensive restorations.
Her first name looks a bit confusing on paper. It is pronounced Eemkye, with the last e sounding like the short e in the.
Email: ijmkjevanderwerf@hotmail.com
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Table 11: Leatherwood Bespoke Rosin Pty Ltd
Hand made, bespoke rosin recipes for stringed instruments. Exceptional playing qualities in stunning natural materials.
Instagram: @leatherwoodrosin
Facebook: leatherwood.rosin/
Email: rosin@leatherwoodrosin.com.au
www.leatherwoodrosin.com.au
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Table 12: Stamford Strings
Stamford Strings is passionate about showcasing new makers. We are both a premier stockist of Brazenose Violins as well as offering beautiful antique instruments and bows. We have a team of luthiers in our workshop which is 60 minutes by train from London and Birmingham, making it easy to access for prominent orchestras, colleges and institutions. We specialise in keeping players’ instruments performance ready, offering a same day service for essential repairs, and stocking an extensive range of fittings, which help to enhance the sound and beauty of our customers’ instruments.
Instagram: @stamfordstrings
Email: libby@stamfordstrings.co.uk
Tel. 07818286538
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Table 13: Anima Nova
Anima Nova is the original height-adjustable soundpost made out of carbon fibre. The revolutionary soundpost brings out the best of your instrument: better projection, more focus, more overtones, quicker response, more volume. Internationally renowned artists such as Cynthia Phelps, Paul Neubauer, David Finckel, Clive Greensmith, Ron Carter and Joel Quarrington already trust Anima Nova. Patent protected. Made in Germany.
Facebook: @animanovasoundpost
Email: molnar@anima-nova.de
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Table 14: Kai-Thomas Roth
Kai-Thomas Roth trained at Newark School of Violin Making and has been exclusively making bowed stringed instruments of all periods and specifications since 1986.With well over 100 cellos made to date, as well as violins, violas, viole d'amore and double basses of modern, transitional and baroque set up and even a few viols his instruments are being played all over the world. Kai-Thomas has established a reputation that ensures his instruments are in high demand.
Instagram: @kaithomasrothcellos
Facebook: kaithomas.roth
Email: kaithomasr@aol.com
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Table 15: Simon Jones
From the making of my first violin I soon moved on to attend and graduate from the Newark School of Violin Making where my passion and love for making was fed. Now set up as an independent maker my workshop is based in the ancient Township of Narberth in Wild West Wales. In this surrounding environment I make Italian design inspired instruments.
Instagram: @simonsviolins
Email: simonsviolins@gmail.com
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Table 15: Steve Fletcher
With over 30 years experience as a professional musician along with a keen interest in woodwork, Steve saw instrument making as a natural progression to his career. After several years reading about instrument making, he made his first Cello using online resources and very basic tools, including a sharpened spoon to carve the scroll! Having caught the making bug, Steve enrolled at Newark School of Violin Making, graduating with BA hons first class. Steve now makes handcrafted instruments from his workshop in Essex, taking inspiration from great master instruments and adding his own style.
Email: steve@fletcherviolins.co.uk
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Table 16: Joan Zoroa Olivella Violins
My name is Joan Zoroa Olivella. I am violin maker and restorer of bow instruments. Graduated as Luthier, at the International Violin Making School in Cremona, Italy. Worked as restorer of violins and cellos in England. Moved to Scotland in December 2022, based my workshop in Dunfermline, 30 minutes from Edinburgh.
Instagram: @joanzoroaolivella
Facebook: Joan Zoroa Olivella
Email: olivellaviolins@protonmail.com
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Table 18: Nowak Violins (Bristol)
Steffen Nowak (WSVM 1986 with Merit) is a Violin, Viola and Cello Maker in Bristol since 1986.
His instruments are handmade from old European tonewoods and oil-varnished in the classical Italian style.
Violins: after Stradivari, Guarneri, Stainer, Amati
Violas: most common sizes and many models
Celli: a smaller full-size, Stradivari and Montagnana models
A passionate maker, aware of his clients’ needs and expectations means his instruments are appreciated by professionals and advanced students from many countries.
Special emphasis is placed on set up and playability.
A few instruments are readily available to purchase – please enquire about a trial.
Instagram: @nowakviolinsbristol
Email: s@nowakviolins.co.uk
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Table 20: William Szott
I have used my experience of working on thousands of old instruments to design and make the next generation of violins, violas and cellos, which caters to the demands of modern day playing. My shop is based in south Manchester, where I have built strong relationships with the leading orchestras, music colleges and freelance musicians.
Instagram: @williamszott
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Table 23: Ladislav Prokop
I have been making and restoring stringed instruments for over 25 years, in the great instrument-making tradition of my family. Established in London in 2005, I provide instruments of quality, enjoyable to play, and a pleasure to hear. In continuing the acoustical craft of the great luthiers, I aim to create affordable instruments for the most discerning of customers.
Facebook: /ladislav.prokop.98/
Email: info@prokopviolin.com
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Table 24: Boardman Violins
Boardman Violins is a father and son business; Peter and Rory Boardman.
Peter has been a violin maker for over 40 years, having made around 350 instruments which are played all over the world. He specialises in restoration, new making and tonal adjustments.
Rory has been learning and working in the family workshop since 2018, focusing on new making. His instruments are available to purchase in violin shops throughout the UK.
The workshop is based in Donaghadee, Northern Ireland.
Instagram: @boardmanviolins
Facebook: facebook.com/BoardmanViolins
Email: boardmanviolins@gmail.com
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Table 26: Tulloch Violins
We are a father and son business making fine violins, violas and cellos in the Italian Cremonese tradition. We specialize in making a range of fine violin fittings based on English designs.
Instagram: @tullochviolins
Email: info@tullochviolins.co.uk
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Table 28: Graham Vincent
Somerset based violin maker and musician. I trained at the Musical Instrument Department of the London College of Furniture in the early 1980s. My career has moved through making, design, commercial design management and even architecture, but for the last few years I've been back where I'm happiest - at the bench full time. I make violins of my own design in a traditional style and even make my own boiled varnish.
In my spare time I've managed to perform at the last three Glastonbury Festivals with Mitchell and Vincent.
Follow me on YouTube @grahamvincentviolins for regular videos on violin making and violin related content.
Instagram: @grahamvincentviolins
Email: grahamvincentviolins@gmail.com
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Table 29: Filippo Protani Liutaio
I started training at the Maestri Liutai school in Gubbio. I then moved to England and completed the 3 year course at the Newark School of Violin Making. From 2007- 2010 I worked as a maker at the Roger Hansell workshop, in North Yorkshire.
In 2010 I moved back to Italy, where I set up my workshop in Perugia. I won Best Sound in 2013 at the ANLAI violin making competition with a violin, and in 2015 a viola received the Edrev Prize. The past few years I’ve taken courses with Francois Perego on varnish and with the BVMA.
Instagram: @protaniviolins
email: fprotani@gmail.com
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Table 29: Gareth Ballard
I have been based in central London at Ballard Violins since 2010. The main feature of my work is the design of the arching. I analyse the design on the computer for a better understanding and to help authenticity. A detail explanation of this can be found in The Strad magazine January 2023.
Instagram: @ballardviolins
Email: garethballard1@gmail.com
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Table 30: Stefan Johann Krattenmacher
Maker of cellos and double basses. Players using my instruments include Berlin Philharmonic, LSO, Oslo Phil, and the English Chamber Orchestra.
Email: stefan@krattenmacher.com
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Table 35: H W Wood Insurance Brokers
Specialist broker for Musical Instruments Insurance
Email: Clairesanders@hwint.com
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Table 36: Colin Adamson
Colin has been making violins for over 20 years. After graduating from the Newark school of violin making, he worked in Canada, Finland and Germany as a restorer and maker.
He now works out of the beautiful seaside town of North Berwick just outside Edinburgh, where he is concentrating on new making. Colin’s instruments can be found in major orchestras around the UK and Europe.
Instagram: @ColinCharlesAdamson
Email: Mail@adamson-violins.com
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Table 36: Mark Jennings
Mark has been a violin maker for 28 years. He studied at Merton College and the NSVM, graduating with Distinction.
All his working life Mark has followed a philosophy of continuous improvement by working alongside other makers. Recently he has teamed up with Peter Greiner to make a set of instruments for the prestigious IMS, Prussia Cove. This November saw the quartet’s inaugural concert at Wigmore Hall.
His instruments can be taken on approval from his own workshop or from Florian Leonhard Fine Violins and My Luthier both in London.
Mark’s workshop is situated on the beautiful Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, several times a year he takes a satellite workshop in London, Manchester and Cardiff to see clients.
Instagram: @jenningsviolins
Email: jenningsviolins@yahoo.com
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Table 37: Ornella Ceci
I'm a violin and viola maker. I started my training in stringed instrument making and repair in 2005 with my father Arturo Ceci, a very well known luthier, piano tuner, and restorer in Bari (IT). After a few years of work in my home town as an instrument maker, repairer, and bow rehairer, I decided to improve my knowledge in new making and restore first in North Italy following stages in Turin and Milan then in Amsterdam (NL) . Currently I'm resident luthier at Strijkinstrumentenshop.nl in The Hague.
Instagram: @ornellaceci_luthier
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TABLE 39: Rod Ward Violins
I have made violins, violas, and cellos professionally in the Old Italian traditions of both Cremona, and Brescia for over forty years. They have gained numerous
recommendations from many professional players from William Primrose, and Emmanuel Hurwitz to the present day. These instruments are known of for their fine tone with strong projection.
rodwardviolins@gmail.com
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Table 40: Florian Leonhard Fine Violins
The New Making team at FLFV London have the privilege of studying old Italian instruments while creating ‘True Copies’ of them for our clients, offering musicians a superb alternative to antique instruments. Built on decades of experience in new making and high-level restoration, the use of precise casts, moulds and measurements are combined with the finest materials and craftmanship under Florian's expert direction.
We will also be exhibiting bows made in house by Lauri Tanner. Inspired by the great bows in our shop collection, as well as those that pass by his bench, Lauri’s bows are world class.
Instagram: @florianleonhard
Facebook: FlorianLeonhardFineViolins
Email: violins@florianleonhard.com
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Table 41: Ragnar Hayn Violin Maker
Ragnar Hayn is a violin maker based in Berlin. He studied at then Newark School of Violin Making in England from 1998 to 2001.
He returned to Berlin soon after, devoting four years to studying the restoration of historic stringed instruments.
In 2005, he founded his own workshop in Berlin focusing on making fine new instruments, winning numerous awards at international competitions.
His instruments are plaid by excellent musicians as from the Wiener Philharmoniker, the Gewandhaus Leipzig, the Radio Symphony Orchestra Berlin, soloists like Ning Feng, Pauline Sachse, Prof. Xenia Jankovic, Truls Mørk, Johannes Moser and Sophie Kauer.
Instagram: @ragnarhayn
Email: info@ragnarhayn.com
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Table 42: Andreas Hudelmayer
Established in London since 2002, Andreas has gained a reputation for making excellent sounding instruments as well as for sound adjustments and set ups.
Chamber musicians, orchestral players, orchestra leaders and soloist frequently perform, broadcast and record on their Hudelmayer instruments.
Facebook: andreas.hudelmayer
Email: andreas@hudelmayer.com
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TABLE 43: Rudolf Pilsel
2022 marks the 50th year since I made my first violin as a 19 year old student. Since then, working in a number of places in England I have made, and continue to make, violins violas of all sizes, cellos and bows for professional musicians, teachers, students and gifted amateur players. Over the years I have assembled a stock of first class tonewood which with a following wind, will keep me going for another 50 years!
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Table 44: William John Violins
William John started work at Ealing Strings in 1977 restoring and studying instruments of the great Italian masters; Amati, Stradivari, Guarneri etc. He started making violins, violas and cellos in 1980, alongside some of Europe’s finest makers.
Having left Ealing Strings in 1991 William continues to make and restore instruments for soloists, orchestral musicians and students.
Instagram: @williamjohnviolinslondon
Facebook: William John Violins
Email: wjohnviolins@aol.com
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Table 45: Gibertoni&Nalin
Award winning makers, being prized especially for the tone of their instruments. Working with traditional methods and innovative techniques, they specialise in antiqued inspired violins violas and cellos, loved and appreciated by students, orchestra players, soloists and collectors alike. Based in Sheffield and Milan, they love to challenge themselves and take inspiration by both famous classical masterpieces as well as more unusual makers and models. They strive for tonal and aesthetic uniqueness in each and every instrument they produce
Instagram: @gibertoni_nalin
Facebook: @stefanogibertoni
Email: info@gibertoninalin.com
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Table 45: Christopher J Halstead
Chris made his first bows whilst studying music and violin in Cambridge. After graduating he trained first with Richard Wilson, and then with Didier Claudel.
His modern bows are inspired by the makers of the transitional and early modern periods and combine traditional woods with more unusual or hi-tech materials such as Whitby Jet, carbon-fibre and Lapis Lazuli. "One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is working with musicians to create bespoke bows tailored to their individual requirements."
Chris also makes period bows, copied and adapted from surviving examples.
In addition to making, he also does sympathetic restorations of old bows.
Email: halsteadcj@yahoo.co.uk
Telephone: +44 7949 813180
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Table 46: Nigel Crinson
For over 30 years Nigel's inspired work is exclusively as a maker, by maintaining a balance of visual beauty with strong character and sophisticated sound, encapsulating the dynamics needed by today's players.
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Table 46: Hansell Violins
Roger Hansell started out as a fine art student, became captivated by a violin and has been making renowned instruments ever since. He credits his love of painting for his ability to make facsimile copies; mimicking the varnish patina and feel of the original in subliminal ways. A similar passion for beauty and craftsmanship go into his range of instrument fittings which command a world-wide reputation and market.
Hansell instruments play in many of the leading orchestras, Hansell pegs are found on numerous important instruments. We are interested in perfection and beauty – not a bad combination to aim for today.
Instagram: @HansellViolins
Facebook: @rogerhansellviolins
Email: roger@hansellviolins.com
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Table 48: Resonant Strings
We are both full time luthiers based in Cawston, North Norfolk UK. Our business is Resonant strings. We make, repair, restore and sell violins, violas, cellos and accessories and Rehairs . We each tend to make our own instruments although we do do some collaboration on instruments at times when asked. Please feel free to make an appointment to visit our workshop if you are interested in having an instrument commissioned or try one already made!
A recent recording of instruments commission from us can be heard on https://soundcloud.com/simon-ballard-272294542/glass-gates-3
Instagram: @resonantstrings
Email: info@resonantstrings.co.uk
www.resonantstrings.co.uk
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Table 49: D'Addario Orchestral
D’Addario is the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument strings and accessories marketed under several product brands including D’Addario Orchestral. A family-owned and operated business with roots dating back to 17th century Italy, we make bowed strings and accessories for all levels of players and playing styles.
Facebook: @daddarioorchestral
Instagram: @daddarioorchestral
Email: markus.lawrenson@daddario.com
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Table 50: Tim Baker
Tim Baker graduated from the Newark School of Violin Making in 1981, and worked for W.E. Hill & Sons and J & A Beare as a bow maker and restorer. He has been a jury member for several international bow making competitions, as well as a major contributor to ‘The British Violin’. Tim is currently Short Course Coordinator for the BVMA, working with colleagues to run a variety of professional development courses at different venues throughout the year. Since 2000, Tim has worked independently as a bow maker in Oxford.
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Table 51: Helen Michetschläger
I’ve been a violin maker for over 40 years and made more than 330 instruments. These are loved by musicians as far afield as the USA and Hong Kong, from children who benefit from my personal design of small-sized violins and violas to front desk professional orchestral players. I specialise in personalised commissions to meet your ideals for sound and playing comfort.
Email: helen@helenviolinmaker.com
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Table 52: Kaspar Pankow Bows
Kaspar Pankow learned bow making at the West Dean and Oberlin bow making workshops. For ten years he worked in the workshop of Florian Leonhard and now has his own workshop in Switzerland.
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Table 52: Philip Ihle
After training in Cremona, I had 12 years of employment, first with Wilhelm Geigenbau in Switzerland, then with Florian Leonhard in London, where my focus shifted from restoration to making copies of and replacement parts for fine old instruments.
In 2013 I set up my own workshop, IHLE VIOLINS, building bespoke concert violins and replacement parts for fine old violins. Nearly a decade later, my workshop has grown to a small team of dedicated makers, including Mathieu Fourrier and the latest addition, Jef Leirs. My client base has also increased, now spanning across Europe, Asia and the US and my instruments are played in some of the worlds leading orchestras and Ensembles.
Instagram: @ihleviolins
Email: philip@ihleviolins.com
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Table 53: Jan Bartos
Luthier, a graduate of the Ignacy Jan Paderewski Academy of Music in Poznań. After graduation, he became the manager of Eric Blot’s violin making workshop in Cremona, which he ran for 8 years, building new instruments, as well as restoring and issuing expert appraisals of the most famous instruments of the old European masters. In 2007, he moved to Paris and opened his own workshop in the heart of the French luthier’s centre. He is a member of the French Association des Luthiers et Archetiers pour le Departement de la Facture Instrumentale and the British Violin Making Association.
He is the co-author of the catalogue Polish School of Violin Making. Instruments by Groblicz and Dankwart Masters. His latest research has confirmed the Polish origin of an instrument in the collection of the Musée de la Musique in Paris and led to an official change in its attribution. He was awarded a doctoral degree at his Alma Mater in 2020.
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Table 54: Canterbury Violins
I am a maker and restorer who graduated from the Newark school in 2005. I then made double basses for Thomas Martin in Banbury until I moved to north London in 2008 to work at Bridgewood and Neitzert. In 2013 I settled in Canterbury (Kent) and started my own workshop. From 2015 to 2022 I did some restoration work for J&A Beares as a freelancer as well as making and restoring in Canterbury. I now make and restore and also manufacture varnishes for the trade.
Facebook: CanterburyViolins
Email: canterburyviolins@hotmail.co.uk