Making a tiny Viola

Making a tiny Viola

Jan 26, 2019 | Latest Instruments

Making a tiny Viola January 2019 This month I have been making another viola the size of a violin. The main reason to make such a small instrument is for youngsters who want to play the viola but are not yet big enough to play anything larger than a violin. It is of...
The cobbler’s shoes and a tiny sculpture

The cobbler’s shoes and a tiny sculpture

Jan 4, 2019 | Latest Instruments

The cobbler’s shoes and a tiny sculpture December 2018 It was nine years ago that I finally got around to making a fiddle for myself. Being keen to get it done and using a model I was excited about, I made it very quickly and it is one of my favourite instruments,...
The Best Cello?

The Best Cello?

Nov 30, 2018 | Latest Instruments

The Best Cello? September 2018 Because it has been out being played, I haven’t mentioned my Andrea Guarneri model cello since I finished it in the spring. This is the first instrument I have made with a poplar back, ribs and scroll, though the model I have used many...
A rare breed for me

A rare breed for me

Nov 30, 2018 | Latest Instruments

A rare breed November 2018 Next week I am taking my newly finished baroque violin to its new home at the RNCM in Manchester. This is the first baroque violin [excepting the RNCM project last March] that I have made for a long time. Except for the neck, much of a...
Making Varnish

Making Varnish

Jun 17, 2018 | Latest Instruments

Making Varnish May 2018 Varnish Making is one of those jobs which doesn’t come around too often, but noticing my supply steadily diminish over the winter, I decided to make another batch as soon as the weather got better. By the last week of May everything was ready...