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...
Read MoreSummer 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...
Read MoreWinter 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...
Read MoreSpring 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.
Read MoreNeck 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....
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