~~ This violin is designed to combine the best features of del Gesu and Stradivari forms. It is based on the Stradivari “PG"form with a C bout widened by 1 mm on each side thus providing for increased air volume and projecting power. The shape of the corner curves is reminiscent of a del Gesu. The arch is that of a golden period Strad, albeit wider, with its hallmark purity of tone, agility and brilliance yet accepting heavier bow pressure if desired. I kept the rib structure slightly lower, also in the style of del Gesu, to allow for quick response. F holes and scroll are loosely based on mid period Strad with some departures to allow for personal expression. Wood finishing shows prominent tool marks and varnish in the style of a late period Strad to lend the instrument an air spontaneity and freedom. This a larger instrument with body length of 356 mm and upper and lower bout dimensions of 168 mm and 206 mm respectively. Despite the larger size the violin is still very comfortable and handles with ease even in the hands of a smaller player. Players have noted exceptionally quick response and rich G. This model is very successful tonally and performs admirably in a large concert hall.

~~This violin is built on the Stradivari "P" form, with the back length of 355 mm, and upper and lower bout dimensions of 167 mm and 208 mm respectively.

I made this violin for the 2016 VSA Violin Making Competition held in Cleveland, OH. The violin received a workmanship award and has found a happy home with Gennady Filimonov of the Seattle Symphony. Gennady affectionately named it "Sputnik", which has a Russian meaning for "life companion"or "fellow traveler".

Stradivari Model Violin 2016 "SPUTNIK"

Stradivari Model Violin 2017 "YVETTE"

The violin is based on the 1737 "Panette" ex-Stern Guarneri del Gesu. Just as the original it features a once-piece well flamed slab back and a two-piece unmatched top. This is one of the smaller violin models I make, with dimensions of 351mm, 164mm, 206mm for length of back, and width of upper and lower bouts respectively. Mensur is 193mm, shorter than a typical Strad, which is comfortable for any player but especially smaller players or players with smaller hands.

The violin has dark rich tone, with excellent projection and balance.

This violin was commissioned and now belongs to Simon James, of the Seattle Symphony, a renowned pedagogue, teaching privately in Seattle at Coleman Studio and as a faculty member of the San Francisco conservatory.

~~ This violin is built on the Stradivari "P" form, with the back length of 355 mm, and upper and lower bout dimensions of 167 mm and 208 mm respectively.

Stradivari Model Violin 2017 "RUSALKA"

~~ This violin is built on the Stradivari PG form, with a slab-cut well aged maple back. Because of the water-like appearance of the wood grain I call it "Rusalka" in the tribute to the Dvorak's romantic opera. This a larger instrument with body length of 356 mm and upper and lower bout dimensions of 168 mm and 207 mm respectively. Despite the larger size the violin is still very comfortable and handles with ease even in the hands of a smaller player. The instrument is very fast and responsive, dark in overall quality, with an exceptional G string while maintaining brilliance in the treble and enough projection to fill a large hall. It can accept a range of playing styles as it responds well to both fast and light bow technique as well as deeper pressure without cracking.

The violin is featured at the Metzler exhibit of modern violins in Los Angeles and was profiled in the article on violinist.com

Stradivari Model Violin 2016 "SLEEPING BEAUTY"

Personal Model Violin 2016

Stradivari Model Violin 2018 "VINCENT"

Stradivari Model Violin 2018

~~ I made this violin for the XV Antonio Stradivari violin making competition in Cremona, Italy held in September 2018. This time is attracted 431 instruments by 331 makers from all over the word.

The violin is built on the Stradivari "P" form, with the back length of 355 mm, and upper and lower bout dimensions of 167 mm and 208 mm respectively. The requirements of the competition for the work to have no artificial wood work or varnish wear afforded me an opportunity to show my skills at pristine making. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and is a testament to the fact that a new looking fiddle can sound just as rich, powerful and open as an old looking one.

I named this violin "Vincent" to celebrate my love and sincere admiration for one of my favorite artists and life's Excellent Adventures.

The violin found a very happy home with Noah Geller, concertmaster of the Seattle Symphony.

Stradivari Model Violin 2016

~~A violin based on the Stradivari “S” form. It features smaller body length of 352mm and narrower upper and lower bout dimensions of 16.3 cm and 20.4 cm respectively. The sound is round, mature and open, with even transition from string to string. Players have noted exceptionally quick response and rich G and E strings. The violin lives in Seattle with violinist Liza Zurlinden

Made for the 2018 VSA Competition in Cleveland.

The violin is built on the Stradivari "P" form, with the back length of 355 mm, and upper and lower bout dimensions of 167 mm and 208 mm respectively. The violin is owned by the Concertmaster of the Seattle Symphony Noah Geller.

~~A violin based on the Stradivari “S” form. It features smaller body length of 352mm and narrower upper and lower bout dimensions of 16.3 cm and 20.4 cm respectively. The sound is round, very powerful, mature and open, with rich overtones. The violin lives with a talented young violinist Yvette Kraft of the Simon James studio in Seattle. The violin is named after her to celebrate her amazing spirit, talent and love for music.

To hear Yvette perform please follow the links

Elgar Violin Sonata in E minor II. Romance - Andante

Elgar La Capricieuse

Dvorak, Mazurek