workbench

Winter 2021

Winter 2021 The low winter sun is bringing beautiful light to the shop.   I’ve been working on a range of projects this fall – a new violin is getting its final coats of varnish this week, a new project is starting, and I’ve had a few extensive repairs.   This neck set was one of the most recent projects completed. 

Fall 2021

Fall 2021 I have resumed work in the shop after a summer off (although I was finishing two commissioned violins that have since gone to their new homes – the photos below are of a beautiful Amati-inspired violin with high arching and a clear, sweet sound.) Coming up this fall are a series of complex repairs that will keep things interesting as the weather gets colder. Stay tuned!  

Fall 2020

Fall 2020: A view of Laura’s workbench    

Introducing Brigitte Ouellet

Introducing Brigitte Ouellet Summer 2020   Brigitte Ouellet has joined me in the shop at Wallace Violins. She’s a talented fiddle player who plays a custom 5 string violin that I built for her a few years ago. She’ll be managing my rental violins and assisting with lots of projects in the shop. Having Brigitte here means I’ll have more time to devote to building violins and doing repairs and rehairs. If you have any questions about rentals or anything fiddle related, please contact her.  brigitte@wallaceviolins.ca It has been incredibly fun to have Brigitte in the shop...

Summer 2020

Summer 2020 I am resuming work in the shop in mid-August. I won’t have quite as much time as I usually do, but I will be able to support your music with repairs, rehairs, restorations, violin rentals, and sales.  I continue to spend as much time as possible making new instruments. Below is the “Plowden” Guarneri del Gesu inspired violin that I hope to complete this summer. This violin is spoken for, and I do have a bit of a wait list. Please contact me if you’re interested in a handmade instrument and we can...

Winter 2020 I completed a “King Joseph” Guarneri del Gesu inspired violin. I decided on a full arch for the top and back and I got the sound I was after- full and rich and very sweet. The bass is strong and I’ve had the pleasure of playing it and hearing it open up. It is sold, but I certainly plan on making more of this model. It is 355mm long and has the standard playing length of 195mm. I used an oil varnish and am very happy with the look I achieved- I gave a little gentle antiquing. I don’t aim for a strong antique look, but I really like the creative experience...