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 training her to prepare bow hair hanks and dye rainbow bows. She’s cleaning fiddles and tuning them up, ready for the start of lessons in September.  She also teaches fiddle in Powell River (currently online only), and she might have a few spots left. If you’re interested, you can contact...

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 of gently wearing the varnish and adding a bit more personality to each...

Spring 2020

Violinmaking and rehairing bows Winter 2020 I’ve been working on a King Jospeh Guarneri inspired violin that will be complete in the spring. Lots of rehairs and set-ups as well, keeping those players playing. I’m doing a quick update so no photos. I’m spending lots of time at the bench and away from the computer! Up next are plans for another Plowden inspired violin and an Alard inspired violin.

Neck re-set and various projects

Neck re-set and various projects Summer 2019   On the bench right now- a neck re-set and many many rehairs. It’s the time of year to gear up for the start of the school year. I have several violins in various stages of varnishing and some interesting repairs in the works. I’m waiting for the delivery of a beautiful 1/2 size cello that I will set up for a talented young cellist.  I have a full size cello here that is waiting for me to convert into a 5 string cello. That project was originally slated for the spring but too many other repairs bumped it off the schedule. I’m hoping to get it complete….eventually....

Fiddleworks Fiddle camp on Salt Spring Island

Fiddleworks Fiddle camp on Salt Spring Island Summer 2019   I had the pleasure of working at the 20th annual Fiddleworks Fiddle camp on Salt Spring Island. It was a lovely week on Saltspring with at whole bunch of great musicians. I repaired bows, fixed fiddles and rescued players with broken strings. I love being a part of the music and supporting musicians. And the final concert in Ganges was truly inspiring.