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Orders

Manufacturing is my preferred field. I specialize in the production of historical bowed string instruments such as those from the viola da gamba family and instruments from the violin family. I strive to come as close as possible to the musician's wishes, both in terms of sound, playability, and aesthetics.

I aim to adhere to historical construction plans by conducting observations and measurements of works and documents in various museums to refine my work towards greater historical accuracy and creativity.

I create historically accurate models for early music repertoire, as well as modernized versions suitable for a variety of musical styles.

My work is influenced, on one hand, by the research and advice of Pierre Jaquier, and on the other hand, by my study of period instruments. Then, there is a part of personal creativity, particularly for ornamentation and carving, in order to create unique and highly distinguished instruments. My freedom can be expressed in the carving of the scroll, the most artistic moment in the making of a viola. This freedom involves the challenge of materializing a vague idea, but each chisel stroke shapes the pleasure.

Ordering process

Starting the process

To begin, we discuss the instrument you desire, your musical requirements, size, tuning, aesthetics, decorations, and carving if you wish to have a carved scroll. As I carve it myself, there is great freedom of choice.

If you would like to try one of my instruments, I can usually provide one for you to try in my workshop or arrange a meeting with the owner. I am also present in early music or viola da gamba events.

Design

I start with an existing model and then adapt it to the musician's desires and needs, but I can also create a completely new model inspired by historical models and enriched by my own experiences and research.

Your specific requirements and extraordinary/out-of-the-ordinary requests are welcome! Once we agree on the model and desired sounds, I can begin the manufacturing process (please note that there may be a more or less extended waiting period). At this point, I will provide you with a quote.

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Quote Approval

Once I am ready to start crafting your instrument, I require a non-refundable deposit of 10% of the instrument's value to validate the order.

Manufacturing

The manufacturing process takes between 2 and 6 months, depending on the complexity of the construction and decorative elements.

Throughout the manufacturing process, we stay in touch, and I send photos of the progress so that you can provide feedback on certain details and be part of this adventure!

*For every purchase of a viola made by me, I offer a loan of a student instrument if the musician needs one during the production period.

Delivery of the Instrument

Once the instrument is finished, you are invited to come and pick it up from my workshop. This allows you to try the instrument and make final adjustments so that you can get the most out of it in terms of sound and playability.

It is also possible to arrange for delivery (at your expense).

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Payment Methods

Payments can be made by check or bank transfer. Payment plans can be arranged upon request (3 installments with no additional fees).

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Rates and Conditions

The rates provided are indicative and vary based on wood selection, model, carving, and ornamentation (see conditions).

The models shown are our basic models, but I can also conduct research to create copies or reconstructions of antique instruments.

Viola da Gamba Basses - 6 or 7 strings Body length (cm) String length (cm) Rates (starting from) €
Simple Model * 62,5 - 64 66,5 - 68,5 7 500
Henry Jaye
62,5 66,5 9 600
Nicolas Bertrand 64 67,5 9 600
Pierre Jaquier 66,5 68,5 9 600
Romain Chéron 69 69 9 800
Michel Collichon 71,5 70,5 10 000
Joachim Tielke 69,5 69 13 000
Tenor Violas
John Rose 7 500
AltoViolas (or big Diskant)
Henry Jaye 6 000
Diskant
Simple Model * 5 000
Peter Rombouts 6 000
Nicolas Bertrand 6 000
Pardessus violas
Louis Guersan 5 000

Rates

The prices are "net" and valid as long as they are available online. The rates indicated include an openwork scroll, tailpiece, fingerboard, nut, and plain pegs. Carved scrolls and ornamentation (double purfling, marquetry, rosette, etc.) are optional and may incur an additional cost. Similarly, "exceptional" woods (figured maple, highly flamed, etc.) as well as backs and sides made of multiple parts of different alternating woods may incur an additional cost, specified during the order process.

* The "simple models" correspond to basic models with an unplated fingerboard (solid maple), no purfling on the back, and a simplified, non-openwork scroll. The wood is of ordinary quality, and the varnish is light.

For more information about these instruments or to obtain an accurate quote, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Ordering

The price of an instrument is indicated during the order process. Non-refundable down payment of 10% of the instrument's value will be required to validate the order.

Pegs

It is possible to install "Pegheds" mechanical pegs on all instruments, with an additional cost specified during the order process.

Cases

The prices indicated do not include the provision of a case or cover. Depending on the customer's preference, we can offer a choice of soft cases, semi-rigid cases, or hard cases.