|
In the workshop 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
December/November 2008: The Viola after
G.B.Grancino has been making
steady progress and is awaiting varnishing.
November/October: Both the
Strad violin and
Guarneri viola are now finished
and pictures are uploaded.
The next project is a Milanese Viola model taking inspiration
from both Grancino and Testore. Updates here as soon as time
allows!
|
|
|
August/September: The Strad violin has been making steady
progress and is almost ready for varnishing....
and a new Viola after Andrea Guarneri is under work as well.
The
Mantegazza Viola has just been
sold to a professional player in Germany.
|
|
July: The new 'Strad' belly next to a
golden period Strad plaster cast with the typical ff wing fluting
- click to enlarge.
|
Meanwhile I have been developing a new Stradivari model based on
the PG mould (one of his inside forms/moulds used
during his golden period). This next violin is based on that
design and is also taking inspiration from the 1709 Viotti Strad
which is now at home at the RAM London. I have found a very close
matching front and back for it and I am presently hollowing the
plates.
|
|
RAM Viotti Strad 1709
|
|
|
The
Bergonzi Violin is now ready,
fitted up and 'ready to go'.
|
May/June: In recent weeks I have been busy with a
restoration of a nice old English Cello. I normally just
concentrate on new making, but sometimes I feel the need to get
involved in another challenge.
But the Bergonzi Violin has been making steady progress and is now
awaiting the varnishing stage. More on it soon.
|
|
April/May: The
Mantegazza Viola is fitted up and
playing and will have its first outing at the RNCM Manchester
Viola day.
Photos are now uploaded.
My next 'lobby' exhibition will take place during
the RNCM Viola day in Manchester on Sunday, 27. April 2008.
Just like last year I will have a number of my instruments on
display for trial. Please
contact me
beforehand if you have interest to see any particular instrument.
|
|
The
2008 da Salo inspired Viola is
finished - pictures are now uploaded. The first professional sound
trial was very positive, the sound even and colourful, and both
players found it easy and comfortable to play. |
 |
|
March: The Brescian style Viola after da Salo is now varnished
and awaits fitting up - pictures here soon.
The next projects are going to be a 16'' (406mm) Viola after the
Mantegatia brothers of Milano from 1793
and a Carlo Bergonzi Violin from 1737.
The Mantegatias ( also 'Mantegazza') were very talented makers -
following somewhat in the Landolfi style - but were also kept busy
by the first Violin collector Count Cozio de Salabue, who supplied
them with plenty of Cremonese Instruments from his collection to
be fitted up, neck grafted or altered, 'tonally improved' (sic!)
which might well have included the re-thicknessing of original
graduations in instruments by del Gesu and Stradivari!
Compared to today with probably no Cremonese instruments left in
original AND unopened condition, the Mantegatias were in an
enviable position. Many makers and restorers would gladly be
present and able to view and learn from a truly original
instrument. Quite a pity that all we have today by these first
hand observers is the 'Carteggio' of De Salabue - his diary
style entries and observations on his instruments, dealings with
the Stradivari family and early research on makers.
The Mantegatia Viola is a medium sized model, with an outline of
Amati proportions, broad but yet comfortable to play. My last
Viola to this model goes back quite a few years - so out came the
mould and original tracings of that fine instrument and at time of
writing the ribs and scroll are done and I am looking forward to
the carving of the plates. The one piece back is from my favourite
1994 sycamore tree, the belly from European Alpine spruce.
The Carlo Bergonzi - the last true classical
Cremonese master - is an exciting new venture for me. Latest
research and thoughts seem to believe that he was not a Stradivari
pupil (as often quoted in the literature) but probably connected
to the Ruggieri workshop. Howevere, he was friendly with the
Stradivari family and did even rent the old Stradivari house and
workshop from Paolo Stradivari, and also had the use of tools and
forms (which many years later Count Cozio tried to buy from the
Stradivari family).
Bergonzi's violins are often a touch smaller and narrower then the
golden period Strad, but with a longer stop. This particular 1737
model is nevertheless a strong modelled instrument which I am
looking forward to be adding to my 'portfolio'.
Again, at time of writing - ribs and scroll are completed - the
one piece back is of strongly figured Bosnian maple and a very
even grained Italian spruce front.
|
|
February: The latest modern
Violin after Guarneri del Gesu is
now fitted up and has settled in quickly. Its sound is very free,
yet having core strength and projection.
At present it is strung up with medium Dominant strings and a
Kaplan Golden Spiral E. |
 |
The Brescian style Viola after da Salo is progressing well with
the slab back arched, hollowed and glued to the ribs.
The next steps are the carving of the belly and the scroll.
|
|
 |
|
January : I shall be exhibiting my
work at the forthcoming BVMA makers day in London.
Sunday, 2nd March: 10am – 4pm; The Old Sessions House,
Clerkenwell Green.
Please
contact me if you wish to make
an appointment to see and try a specific instrument.
The 2007 slab back
Guarneri Viola has now sold -
two other 16.1/4''
Violas are available at present.
Last years successful Brescian
Da Salo style Viola has prompted
me to make another with a slight design change.
A deeply figured slab back and a superb Alpine spruce front makes
a promising combination for this model.
The
Strad model Cello is
varnished, fitted up and had it first professional sound trial.
After the initial settling in period and slight adjustments the
sound is free, very even and appears to have plenty of power in
it.
The latest modern violin after Guarneri del Gesu ( ex Joachim
1737) has also been varnished and awaits its fitting up. An update
will be soon posted here |
|
del Gesu Violin 2008 during varnishing |
