|
The quality of a good instrument is not determined
by it's age. The idea's of the maker in the accoustics of an instrument,
together with the skills to actually implement these idea's, eventually
set the quality. Broad experience in restoration, combined with an intensive study of instruments for appraisals, led to extensive know-how of factors determining the sound characteristics of an instrument. Creative application of this know-how makes it possible to meet specific requirements of the musician.
|
 |
Artistic look is another quality of an
instrument. For most musicians this is not easy to judge, but the great Italian and Dutch violin makers of the 17th and 18th century built instruments with exceptional high quality for not only sound, but also for esthetic design and accoustic architecture. Extremely important was, and is, the varnish of the instrument. Against common belief not that much for the sound, but mainly for the artistic aspect. Traditionally, we use varnish based on resin and oils, coloured with natural (self-prepared) pigments, which we prefer over modern alcohol-based varnishes. In short, varnish as used by the great violin makers in the past. |