Commission a New Violin, Viola, or Cello
Commissioning a new instrument begins with something as simple as phone call or email. When you contact me to discuss your ideal instrument, we will talk about your tonal and aesthetic goals for the instrument. We would also discuss any special requests you had for the instrument. This could relate to the varnish color or the level of antiquing (from pristine to heavily-antiqued) or it could relate to the model you favor. Once I have a sense of what you are looking for, I can also make recommendations on models, wood choice, and setup. This initial conversation provides a roadmap for the making of the instrument. Usually, at this time I can estimate when your instrument would be completed. The following three selected commissions are examples of successful collaborations with players.
During the making of your instrument, I will keep you updated on its progress, and I will send occasional photographs of stages of the work.
Once the instrument is complete, it will spend a few weeks in the workshop being carefully adjusted, played, and allowed time to settle.
When it is ready, I will deliver the instrument personally, welcome you to my shop for a pickup, or ship the instrument to you by overnight post. Once you have the instrument, you will have two weeks to get to know it. At the end of the trial, if you love the instrument, then I have done my job. If the instrument turns out not to be an ideal match, you simply return it to me, and I will offer it to other musicians. You are under no obligation to purchase the instrument unless you are completely satisfied with it. The entire process is risk-free for my clients.
Click here to contact me about a possible commission.
