Our Violins

Michael’s violins are inspired by the finest work of classic makers. He chooses models that are tested and traditional but allow room for his own signature to show through. Michael takes great care in every aspect of his making, from the careful planing of the arches and positioning of the sound holes to his own traditional varnish recipe.

Bergonzi Model

A few years ago Michael worked on a beautiful 1734 Carlo Bergonzi violin. Again struck by the grace and freedom of the lines, Michael was awed by the workmanship, and the almost casual indifference to symmetry. This model was alive and bursting with energy. The narrow waist and characteristic slight squareness of the upper bout was distinctive and attractive. The projecting ears and narrow form of the scroll were all somewhere between the clean perfection of a Stradivari and the rough work of a late Guarneri. This models powerful arches leap in to service when pressed, with a feeling of bottomless energy. The tone is crisp and clean with great power and projection even when playing softly. The tone is colorful and complex with a sonorous G and a bell like E. The violin pictured here is an antiqued model owned by Ms. Elena Franklin.

Ward Model Stradivari

Michael had the opportunity to study the Ward Stradivari at the Library of Congress. Amid all of the exquisite violins there this one caught his eye. With it’s elegance of form, the slender long corners and round curves of the sound holes it is a violin made with the grace and agility of an Amati but with the bold unmistakable style of Stradivari. Being slightly narrower of form this model is more suited to intimate settings with a rich, full color palate. At the same time the sound seems to fill all the corners of the room and flow over the ears like warm caramel. This violin pictured was commissioned by Mr. Brian McGhee for his daughter Naria.