At long last, a web page...
A first attempt at digital communication by a committed troglodyte. After all, the tools I use in my work would have been found in the shop of a Cremonese luthier in 1680, less electric motors on the grinder and band saw, of course. Chisels, finger planes and gouges, clamps, templates and hide glue. Even the violin varnish, which I make from a formula in the historical record, is essentially the same as it was 300 years ago. My training was an apprenticeship with the master restorer and maker, Michael Weller who generously allowed me to take up bench space in his shop while I absorbed as much of his expertise as possible over the course of several years. If the opening scene of "The Red Violin" comes to mind, well, that was ridiculous, but you get the idea.
How did I get to Michael's basement at the age of 34? Well, it begins with the cello. A few years after college, playing with and working for the Vermont Symphony in various administrative capacities, it dawned on me that I would much rather play music than raise money for somebody else to play music. So I moved to Philadelphia to study with Wm Stokking and then Robert Sylvester and ultimately, to make a living as a professional cellist. So far so good, but at the age of 30 and merely subsisting on the income of a free-lancer, the prospect of family, house, college tuition for kids, and most importantly, owning a sailboat of my own, appeared dim to non-existent. The need for a day job became apparent.
But, what sort of job would that be?
The requirements were obvious: Self employment, with the opportunity to schedule my own work hours and sufficient income to meet the needs stated above. The choice of occupation, however, was not so obvious. Assessing my skills as a model builder and amateur carpenter, woodworking of some sort seemed possible. And, at just that moment, Harry Duffy, formerly of Wurlitzer's in NYC offered me a violin repair apprenticeship in his shop in Miami. Then, a year with bow maker Chet Olsen in Upper Darby followed by 4 years with Michael Weller. Perfect. A day job that allowed me to work at home, participate in the rearing of my two daughters, and take as much time as required to rehearse and perform on the cello.
As for "Violin maker" and or "Luthier", these are more titles of my profession rather than a description of my daily activity. I did make four instruments as part of my apprenticeship: a violin, a viola and two cellos. However, my focus has always been repair and restoration. Learning how to carve a scroll is just a small part of skill set required.
Here's what I do:
Play the cello
Repair and restore the smaller members of the bowed string family. (Sorry, basses)
Rehair and repair all bows of said family. OK basses, you're included here!
Buy and sell high quality violins, violas, and cellos that represent good value from student level to professional. (With an emphasis on the cello, naturally)
Retail first rate new student instruments from Eastman, Snow, Doetsch, Century, Jay Haide, etc. I'll try to add a complete list elsewhere.
Play chamber music or go sailing whenever and wherever I can.
