String Instrument Maker CONTACT: Tel & Fax: +44 (0)1223 513 257 EMAIL & WEBSITE

I was born in 1966 in Scotland. From a musical childhood I went on to spend five years at St. Mary's music school in Edinburgh studying violin and viola. In 1983 I entered the Newark school of violin making.

On completion of violin making school I went on to work for the next five years in some of the leading restoration workshops of Europe, in Holland France and Germany. This included three years in the workshops of Geigenbau Machold where I concentrated on the detailed restoration of some of the finest examples of the classical masters along with their sound adjustment and set up.

In early 1992 I began working with Roger Hargrave in Germany, Here I was closely involved with in-depth research into classical violin construction including detailed analysis into the work of Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesú for the Peter Biddulph Guarneri project. During this time I was also building together with Roger Hargrave accurate copies of the classical Italian masters that have gained a worldwide reputation for their quality in both sound and style.

In 1997 I opened my own workshop in Cambridge, England where I build both precise copies and free interpretations of the great classical masters.

Although most instruments are spoken for, prior to collection they can be tried by appointment. I also aim to have a small selection of work in stock which will be for sale, on a first come first served basis.

To commission an instrument normally no deposit will be required, and if after the trial period you are not entirely satisfied there is absolutley no obligation to buy. The waiting time may vary, but on average for violin and viola it is from six to nine months, and for cello from nine to twelve months.