Ordering an instrument from me is simple and straight-forward. We start with a discussion about your needs and preferences; we speak about particular voice characteristics you prefer in your instrument in great detail. We also discuss visual characteristics like wood flame type for instance, varnish type, color and finish (antiqued or not). It is also very useful mentioning the sound or looks of a particular famous instrument you like.
As I work entirely by hand, it need about 80 working days to finish a violin, a little more for a viola, and about four-five months for a cello. The drying time of the varnish can add or take a notable number of days.
For violins I don’t ask for a deposit, unless the musician has very special preferences (baroque mounted, special size, rare model, unique wood, etc). For Violas I ask 10% deposit and for Cellos 20%. The deposit is exclusively used for covering costs of raw materials and the instrument’s accessories. at the same time, secures the client’s order and first option towards the respective instrument. Please inquire for further details.
After I finish the instrument we agree on a trial time if needed. My instruments usually need little time to prove their potential and qualities to the musician; a period of 2 weeks at most is every time sufficient, if needed an extra week can be added. All of my instruments are ready for concert performance in less than 10 days after I string them up for the first time; if the player spends time practicing on the instrument, this time will be even shorter. My instruments develop substantially in the first year and this development continues many more years after, if the instrument is played and treated with good care.
If a trial is requested outside the EU, I must ask for a full payment of the instrument before it leaves my shop. I offer the guarantee that if the buyer decides to return back the instrument to me in the same state, a complete refund is certain.
In recent years, demand for my work has steadily increased, yet I do my best to keep the waiting time to a minimum while maintaining the highest standard of service I can offer. I try my best in heaving available all the time one instrument or two, usually violins; I know that some musicians would like to see and try my work before making an order.
My instruments have price ranges due to different costs in materials (aged tonewood) and finish type. The musician can choose from very rare and outstandingly beautiful wood pieces from my stock, unique or special fittings and many more special features that would reflect in the final price of the instrument. I can make suggestions about wood choice based on the needs and sound expectations of the musician. We agree on all these aspects in preliminary discussions.
Prices for 2024 (all taxes included):
Violins: 18000 – 19000 Eur
Violas: 20000 – 21000 Eur
Celli: 33000 – 37000 Eur
The owners of my instruments receive a written Certificate of Authenticity.
I also offer Lifetime warranty for the sounding quality of my instruments, as long as they don’t suffer major structural damage such as serious cracks or outside intervention on my original structural/internal work.
I ask all my clients, whenever possible, to keep in touch and visit me for check-ups and eventual setup changes once a year, and I encourage this by offering a 20% discount on all work done on instruments made by me.
Acoustical development in time is a something that all of my instruments prove to their owners – We will stay in contact for many years to come, monitoring the instrument’s evolution and keep it together at its full potential.