A busy month has flown by, with London visits and a full work schedule. The London trip was really in aid of my charity www.rabtrust.org . We’ve had a huge shake up this year taking on a new Chair and saying a fond farewell to two retiring trustees. I like…
Violas
The products I use in restoration are pretty specialized. From aged wood to fungi! Here’s a little insight. Wood Matching This can mean using wood (see picture above) that I have stored for many years that has darkened in colour and is age appropriate to the instrument I am working…
When violins were first made in the early 17th century, they were simpler than they are today. They had necks nailed into place that were not designed to be removed. The nails were handmade and substantial so the neck stock had to be large to accommodate the nail. Some of…
When players visit me to have their instrument assessed there are a few areas that I pay great attention to. In fact, there is a list in my head of all the boxes I need to tick. The check list starts with ‘are any seams unglued?’ and goes all the…
With the start of 2023 quite a few players have been getting in touch with instruments that they have not shown anyone for years. This is very exciting as it allows me an opportunity to share with them the history and story of their instrument. Some players know very little…
Saturday night, Alnwick Playhouse, and I find myself attending the ‘What A Wonderful World Festival’ on June 25. The 4-day festival highlighted the never-ending questions of sustainability. Speakers, artists and activists took to the stage to share their thoughts with us. Saturday night was a display of amazing artists forming…
Well, that IS the question. A subject that is discussed again and again by violin makers, restorers and players. It comes down to personal preference, but often a player will choose an instrument to try based on its appearance (as well as budget!). For makers copying is very common; heads,…
When are the busiest times for players/musicians? When do you need your instrument to perform to the best of its ability? Summer offers us concerts and festivals indoors and out, and as covid rules have been relaxed this summer we have enjoyed many concert series getting back on track. The…
The players are back! Unbelievable really but the concerts I have seen over the past four weeks have encouraged me tentatively to look forward to a future of live music. I kicked off, very nervously as this was my first concert since March 2020, by attending the Royal Northern Sinfonia,…