Workshop

My instruments are exclusively hand crafted and usually made to order.
Prior to construction all details are discussed with the musician.
Often the choice of timbers are discussed, including the choice of suitable models.

First the matured wood must be prepared.
For the viola shown here I use poplar for the back, ribs, lining and blocks. The front made of spruce and the neck carved out of maple are not illustrated here.

 

One of the first working steps is the bending of the ribs with a hot iron. The bent ribs are glued and clamped to the blocks.

The lining serves to stiffen the ribs while increasing the glue surface for the back and top. The lining is cut with a knife as illustrated.

 

The f-holes are at first sawed out with a fretsaw, and then cut with the knife.

The scroll is also hand carved with chisels.

(Photos Gerd Scheidel)

 

To me it is important that the musicians receive an instrument which meets their expectations. Hence, I offer my customer the opportunity to play the "white" instrument. In the case of Madlainas viola the instrument was tested in its unvarnished state in order to make sure the body length and playability were good, and to gain a first impression of the sound quality.
 

Madlainas opinion about her new instrument:

"It is a true joy to play an instrument which has been built with so much love, care and perfection. It is the warmth and at the same time the openness which gives the viola it´s quite personal sound character. An instrument which I have taken to my heart and one that gives me new motivation each day."
On the page >models< you can have a look at the viola, the instrument is built after the model
"Andrea Guarneri 1676 Conte Vitale".




The following photos were taken during the making of the cello for
Mark Evans, National Symphony Orchestra Washington DC

The purfling - a triple glued length of wood - is glued into the pre-prepared channel. It protects the instrument against cracks and emphasises the outline of the cello.

In these 2 pictures I can be seen planing the fluting using different finger planes.

(Photos Gerd Scheidel)

 





Marks statement:


"I have the great pleasure of owning a cello made by Wolfgang in 2006 and modeled after Boris Pergamenschikow's Montagnana. I have played instruments by many leading contemporary makers, and the tonal qualities of Wolfgang's cello far surpass any other contemporary cello I have tried. I feel that my cello puts a tremendously varied tonal color palate at my disposal and the ease of projection that it allows me is a true joy. In addition, the cello is visually stunning! Wolfgang has succeeded in capturing much of the character of the great old Italian cellos. I am very proud to own one of Wolfgang's cellos and I look forward to enjoying its development as my musical "partner" for many years to come."

 

 

 

 

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