Violin maker's blog

It's been a very busy summer in the workshop!

I am currently finishing a Peter Guarneri of Venice model cello, pictures very soon,m or on request. I have also made three violas, all different sizes, especially designed to have relatively slightly longer bodies and shorter string lengths to customers specifications. and needs.

Here is a cello of the Guadagnini model that I have been wanting to build for a while. These are relatively small for full size cellos, but none the less produce as strong and lovely sound as any.

The original instruments are used by some of the most famous and best cellists around. They are very easy to play in such a handleable size.

The back length is 714 mm, 28 ¼ inches, and opposed to the now standard Stradivari Forma B model at 755mm, 29 ¾inches, and with a consequently shorter string length.

All Guadagnini cellos follow this model, and many have fronts that are wider at the middle and top of the front. A characteristic unique to him.

The wood for the back here is very old, and I have stored for 12 years here in the workshop before using it.

This particular cello will be on my stand at the Amati Exhibition in London, on Sunday 1st November and Monday 2nd November 2015, about three weeks time. Here it is showing it's glowing ground coat before the beautiful outer varnish is applied.

This is one of the violas with the smaller string length and relatively longer bodies. It was made for a client earlier in the year, and has a beautiful back with a strong and very sloping figure.