Violin:One of the Guarneri del Gesu model that we like to use is Paganini’s “il Cannone” (the Cannon). The original is in Genoa and is a strong compact shape with very rough woodwork and varnish.

A 1995 copy of “Il Canone” Paganini's “Cannon”

We’ve also done copies of the D’egville and others.

Made in 1991.

We especially like the work of Stradivari from 1709 to 1718 and make many of our violins using our copy of the original PG or “Primo Grande” form that still exists in Cremona.

Top and back of 1996 PG form

Side view of a 1992 Strad model which sold in Paris.   Silver medal 1994 Strad model.

Viola: Gasparo da Salo and Giovanni Paolo Maggini from Brescia circa 1600 made wonderful small and full violas and they are an inspiration.

A free styled interpretation of a Brescian Viola circa 1600 owned by John Schoening of the San Francisco Symphony.

We have also used Andrea Guarneri’s violas which are similar in size. The lengths range from just 15 7/8th inch to 16 3/8th inches.

Ruth Freeman was the principal violist of the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra when she bought this small 15 7/8 Viola with a flamed willow back. It is worked freely in the style of Guarneri del Gesu.

Cello : Stradivari made very large cellos until around 1707 and although these larger cellos like the Servais of 1701 and Castelbarco of 1697 are too big for modern comfort, they have such wonderful lines. We have reduced these early models down in proportion to a likable size with a normal string length resulting in a voluptuous Strad model that is very comfortable.

VSA Gold medal 1996 for this Strad model belonging to Joel Cohen with willow back complete with knots and marching pin. The scroll is of flamed pearwood, which is grafted to a maple neck.

Top of a 1997 cello made for Kitty Knight of the “Da Vinci Quartet.”

Francesco Ruggieri, Andrea Guarneri and Hieronymus Amati II were the first Cremonese to make the modern sized cello. We use this broader and shorter (29 1/4 inches) Cremonese based form and work it in various styles.

Back and sides of figured poplar with a head of beechwood in a late Cremonese style.