I strive to create an instrument with a bold and multidimensional character, both visually and tonally
Photo: Itzel Ávila
A 1983 graduate of the Violin Making School in Salt Lake City, I have over a 40 year career as a maker, and remain passionate about my occupation. I invite you to see the devotion I have to the craft in the instruments I make. You’ll find a great deal to like about their playability and sound.
My work has evolved through study, practice, intention and adherence to traditional methods, materials, and forms of the 17th and 18th century masters. The original instruments themselves inform my work, as do my years of experience, feedback from musicians, and the diagnostic tools and acoustical research that have become available in the last few decades.
I give thanks to my teachers, and the many musicians, violin makers, and friends who have taught and motivated me to develop the subtleties of form and tonal character necessary in the construction of fine musical tools for demanding musicians. Though most of my violins and violas are built for contemporary and classical musicians, I also offer instruments in historical set-up for Period performance.
When not at the bench, I can often be found with a camera in my hand or in the digital darkroom manipulating images.

David T. Van Zandt

My style is unmistakably new and crisp, yet has the warmth and patina of years