Handmade Violins for Serious Students: Our Top Choices!

We recently received this beautifully crafted Stradivari model violin by Colin Cross. This violin features a beautiful design, characterized by a deep, sophisticated finish and its sound quality is outstanding. Featuring a notably rich and full sound, as well as a clear and powerful tone , making it ideal for many different genres. The instrument displays very good projection and precision, with remarkable resonance, particularly in the mid-range. At this price range, it makes a compelling choice for musicians seeking top-tier instrument.

About

Colin Cross

Colin's reputation as a restorer of considerable skill has been well earned. Professional players, violin dealerships across the country, and other players, often bring specific projects hundreds of miles for his specialist restoration.

This is a very impressive violin by young up-and-coming luthier Emanuele Curtoni, who is based in Pistoia, Italy. The craftsmanship showcases his skill and the choice of wood was made very carefully. It boasts a powerful and deep sound. From the G string all the way to the top register, the instrument has wonderful resonance, allowing the player to express themselves freely. The E string is bright and projecting and the overall acoustic profile is certainly capable of handling any repertoire. A very impressive violin, especially at this price.

About

Emanuele Curtoni

I began my journey into instrument building in 2015 under the guidance of my teacher, Gabriele Natali. In his workshop, I learned the craft of making both modern instruments and those with an antique finish, inspired by timeless pieces like violins, violas, and cellos.

Today, I'm still working in the same workshop, continually growing under Natali's mentorship. Each day is a mix of honing my skills and deepening my appreciation for the art of instrument making, blending tradition with my own creative touch.

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A beautiful instrument by Philippe Briand, who is based in Canterbury, Kent. Philippe specialises mostly in restoration and he is very well known for his beautiful varnish. The violin is very even and is a delight to play. The bow seamlessly travels from one string to another and the sound is very smooth throughout. It has good projection and the sound carries nicely in larger spaces. It would be very well suited to orchestral or chamber music playing.

About

Philippe Briand

Philippe is a French violin maker and graduated with merit from the Newark School of Violin Making, where he trained from 2001 to 2005 under teachers Patrick Jowett, Kerry Boylan, Robert Cain, Paul Harrild and Paul Gossling amongst others.

From 2005 to 2007, he made new double basses for Thomas Martin in Banbury, Oxfordshire, which were commissioned by music students and professionals around the world. During this time, he also studied old Italian and English double basses.

From 2007 to 2013, he specialised in restoration and instrument set up at the workshop of Bridgewood and Neitzert in Stoke Newington, London where he was a senior restorer.

From 2013, he opened his workshop in the city of Canterbury where he offers restoration and repair services, along with a freelance association (since 2015) with the J&A Beares firm in London for whom he has been doing repairs and set ups.

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The son of Frederic Chaudiere, Octave comes from a family of violin makers. This violin is a captivating and charming instrument that appeals to a wide range of musicians. It stands out as a delightful addition to any music lover's collection. Its pleasant resonance and rich tonal qualities create an immersive playing experience that both performers and listeners can enjoy. Comfortable to hold and easy to play, the Octave Chaudiere violin ensures that musicians can focus on expressing their creativity and passion without distraction. This instrument is an inspiring example of the diverse world of music-making.

About

A beautiful violin, made by Master Luthier Ulf Kloo in his workshop in Béziers, France. This violin is the Op. 66 from 2017 is inspired by Stradivari’s golden period. The back and sides are made from a carefully selected Bosnian bird’s eye maple and give the violin a wonderful character. Very easy to play on, it will respond extremely well to the violinist’s input. It has been played in concert halls and has very good projection throughout all registers. This violin would be perfect for a budding violinist looking for a great violin to launch their career. The violin comes certified by the luthier.

About

Ulf Kloo

My instruments have been exhibited at the Triennale in Cremona 1997 and 2009, at the Royal Academy of Music in London 2004, the Concours Etienne Vatelot in Paris 2011 and Violas 2012 at the Conservatory of Paris. During 2015 I exhibited at the Cuvée Darling Exhibition in Cremona, and at the Amati Exhibition in London, and in 2016 at Musicora in Paris with the ALADFI association. Kloo violins and violas are played in symphony orchestras / opera houses, by several section leaders, as well as by freelance musicians and advanced students.

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