A site to discover the mystery behind the violin, its history, the way it is manufactured, the composers, the musicians who play it and how it is played. We will enlarge our presentation with other related instruments (strings) and scientific data.
Szymon Gąsienica, Cracow, Poland. Bowed and plucked early instruments maker. Restorer and expert on historical instruments.
I finished the A. Kenar Art School in Poland, Zakopane in 1987. I have done a renaissance seven-course lute on my thesis, I received very good marks. I served a two years apprenticeship in the private workshop, after finishing the school. Having passed exams in 1988 and 1990 I became a member of the Polish Violin Makers Association in Warsaw. Having received a scholarship from the British Council, Polish Ministry of Art And Culture and The Edward James Foundation.
I studied at the West Dean College, where in 1993 I finished the early instrument making course with diploma graduation.
I made about 60 instruments (violins, violas - modern and baroque), even renaissance and baroque lutes, during my studies and after finishing the schools. I also made corrections and reparations of various instruments.
I have got a two year teaching experience of instrument making in the Fine Art School in Zakopane.
At present I am working at the National Museum in Cracow as an conservator of early instruments. I am also a member of ICOM.
John's Violins are becoming
increasingly respected and desired. From the circles that are
frequented by the classical professional, to the weekend
performer, Sullivan violins are known as creations to be held,
played, and heard.
Violin maker specializing in quality replicas of the classic violin makers Stradivari, Guarneri, and Amati.
William has always had an exceptional talent with stringed instruments. At the age of six, he began playing on a 300 year old Gasparo da Salo (1542-1609) violin handed down to him through the generations of his family. He was fascinated by the sounds emanating from the ancient wood he held in his hands and began searching for the secrets that this violin possessed.
Over the years, the quest lead William to Italy to study the secrets of the early violin makers. As a result, William is a maker of stringed instruments that are as close to the original masters as can be had in this modern age. And the varnishes he uses on his violins, violas and cellos are a special formula found no where else on earth ...