Gallery of Instrument Models
This page lists examples of the instrument models I make. Clicking on the thumbnail images or the titles of any of the listings will bring you to larger images and more information.
No amount of descriptive verbiage can convey what having the instrument under the ear will. Our vocabulary for sound is profoundly inadequate and ultimately the musician best understands what characteristics are important. To audition one of my instruments for yourself I invite you to contact me or one of a few fine workshops that handle my instruments.
Although I make every effort to present the images of my instruments accurately, the colors you see on your screen may not represent the actual color of my varnish.
Most of the violins I make are inspired by the instruments of Joseph Guarneri, del Gesu, from the latter part of his career. I build so many violins on this model because the response from musicians has been positive. A complex darkness with power and reserve is a common trait with this model.
This is another example of a late Joseph Guarneri, del Gesu, violin model.
This model is subtly altered from the Late del Gesu violins I make to include a slightly more rounded upper shoulder. There is no loss of sound, but some musicians find it more comfortable to reach the higher positions.
The early period instruments of Joseph Guarneri, del Gesu, often had a slightly shorter body length than those of his later period. Though notably larger than a 7/8th size violin, this model with its relaxed geometry is a good choice for those musicians requiring a strong sound in a slightly smaller instrument.
This violin model is my interpretation of the very early "Golden Period" violins of Antonio Stradivari. As with many Stradivari violins, it produces a timbre richer in the higher overtones compared to del Gesu, without sacrifice of power or reserve. Many musicians comment that this model produces more sound in the hall than they experience under their ear.
I make the Jacob Stainer model exclusively as an instrument for Period Performance. It is based on a small pattern violin from 1655. This is a model I've built many times and has been very well received over the years.
The Guarneri, del Gesu model is not only is successful for Modern Performance Practice but is particularly suitable for post-Baroque music as well, when appropriately set up. This is an example of an instrument I made in Classical (or Transitional) set-up.
The Alto instruments of Andrea Guarneri are large enough to create a nice Viola sound while retaining reasonable comfort for many violists. I took inspiration from Andrea Guarneri's instruments and interpret this model for both Modern Performance Practice and Period Performance Practice, as I'm called upon to do so.
For those who desire a viola with a shorter body length I have borrowed from a number of historical and contemporary sources to create this personal viola model and make it my own. It is suitable for both Modern and Period Performance practice.
For more information about these and other instruments I make please contact me in my Seattle workshop at (206) 478-9603
