Making

Instruments for Historical Performance Practice

I craft instruments of the historical violin family in authentic playing set-up. My work is inspired by the fantastic masters of the Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods. I study their work and “rolemodel” instruments, also in context of music history and playing style. My motivation lies in exploring functional relationships and systematics for excellent sound and delving deeper into style-defining aesthetics for graceful work, not in manufacturing reproductions.

Working method

I build my instruments individually and entirely by hand. In this, I follow in the footsteps of the instruments of the old masters with their lively asymmetry and vigour. I work according to methods that were already in use 500 years ago and have been handed down through the generations. Gouges, finger planes, carving knives and scrapers are used to craft the shapes, not high-speed machines. I make all the components and fittings myself, with the exception of the strings.

About commissioning

I devote about half a year to making, finishing about three instruments in this cycle. If you would like to share your ideas for your instrument of dreams with me, please feel free to contact me. I will be happy to discuss your ideas and sketch out possible ways of realizing your vision.

Project

Baroque violin
after Jacob Stainer

In cooperation with
Martin Rainer, Vienna

coming in 2026…

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Please feel free to contact me for further questions.

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