Finest quality violins violas and cellos � handmade in the traditional way
Modern : Classical : Baroque and Commissions � for professional players and students.
Instrument restoration, setting-up and repairs to the highest standards
Cello Making Prize:
Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) International Cello Festival 1990
The Newark School of Violin Making � Diploma with Distinction 1982
Further experience in the workshops of Peter Biddulph and W E Hill and Sons Ltd.
Including restoration and setting-up of many fine quality instruments.
Making / Restoration / Repairs
For over 20 years about half my work has been making new instruments � mostly cellos in recent years. Generally my instruments are based on the works of Old Masters � a cello by Giovani Grancino of 1693 has been a successful model for many years � as have violins modelled on Stradivari and Nicolo Amati, and violas in various sizes.
For optimum beauty of the finished wood, a golden ground/sealer compliments crystal-clear oil varnish. Colours ranging from amber through burnt-orange to ruby-red � using transparent Madder lake pigments.
Restoration of a wide variety of older instruments e.g. Carcassi, Celoniato, Grancino etc..
For anyone whose instrument needs emergency work I would be very willing to help out. This could be anything from � telephone advice, tonal adjustments, gluing open seams or removing buzzes � to major restoration requiring internal patches that conserve original but damaged areas. Even the worst that can happen to an instrument can be successfully restored.
Insurance work undertaken � mostly for Allianz Cornhill (formerly British Reserve).
Clients from around the UK and abroad include � BBC Orchestras, Alberni Quartet, National Youth Orchestra. Benslow Musical Instrument Loan Scheme have two cellos and two violins of mine.
I am happy to make anything required to commission � model or colour etc.. Alternatively players can choose from instruments currently available.
Ward,Alan
