Commissions
Have you been looking for a new instrument and not been able to find one to your taste. You could be searching for something a little different. You may have seen a period baroque instrument such as a viol in a museum that you would like a copy of. Why not consider having an instrument made for you. You can commission me to make violins, violas and cellos or anything of the baroque period.
As a British violin maker I know the importance of finding the right luthier to make your special instrument. It is similar to a person having a house built and finding the right architect to carry out their ideas to achieve the same goal. It is one of those things in life of a high importance and very personal.
As part of my commissioning service it is important for me to find out your needs as a musician and what you expect from your instrument. This is important as different patterns will produce different sounds and respond differently. There are so many perimeters to the construction of an instrument so choosing the right pattern is essential as is the wood.
I like to allow you as much input into their instrument as possible so it becomes their instrument right from the start. You will be consulted as the instrument is made at different points to make sure I am heading where you want me to so as to achieve the final goal. This becomes more apparent than ever at the end of the making process when deciding upon the varnish style to finish.
When the varnish is dry the task of setting up the instrument starts. The term set up relates to items that are not specifically the main instrument, the parts that are interchangeable.
Pegs, Bridge, Sound Post, Tail Piece, Button, Strings and Chin Rest.
The pegs, button, tail piece and chin rest are a typically the same material. These commonly are ebony (black), rosewood (brown/red) or boxwood which is a dark sandy colour. The only case where this may change is when a player decides to have a Witner tailpiece which has fine tuners though fine tuners are available on the wood varieties too. When you have decided on the final accessories the most important process takes place. Fitting a sound post inside the body and fitting a bridge. These two components hold the balance between the instrument sounding good and phenomenal. I like to do the initial set up and let the instrument be played to settle and give us information so we know where the sound needs improving.
I may need to do a second post and bridge and work aside you to make sure that final required sound is found.
To talk to me about having that special violin, viola or cello made for you call me now or email enquiries@edwardgautviolins.co.uk
