About

Find out about my ethos, my work and who’s playing it

My Story

Violins, dogs and terrible jokes make me smile.

I’m originally from Glasgow. I grew up in a household with four older brothers, so from a young age I had to learn how to find my place. I found that place being the musical one. I’m secretly convinced there’s a musician in all of them but alas I was the one who showed an instant affiliation with it.

I studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland before being drawn down to London to embark on a career with the band of the Royal Artillery. It was here that I really began my journey to becoming a luthier as I was tasked with keeping their store of admittedly rather lovely old Italian instruments in top order.

Coming to the end of my contract in the army I decided to pursue my passion and enrolled in the internationaly aclaimed Newark School of Violin Making. Working with my hands and working in music, its my perfect combination.

My Mission

I’m dedicated to producing beautiful, bespoke pieces of musical artisan-ship. As a violinist, I strive to produce instruments that I would want to play myself.

My Clients

I’m lucky to enjoy a busy schedule, particularly in these troubled times. I’ve recently completed a cello for LPO extra player Iain Ward which subsequently lead to a new cello commission from Pei-Jee Ng, the Co-Principal cello of the LPO and cellist of the Fournier Trio. Other clients have included Rowan Bell, leader of the critically acclaimed Santiago Quartet, who entrusted me with restorationn and set up work on his 1927 Giuseppe Pedrazzini violin. Rowan has also recently taken delivery his own J F Wright Violin, based on the Titian Stradivari.

You can’t underestimate the value of having a good assistant. Here Nala is keeping me company whilst I work on my latest commission.

start your jouney to a new instrument today

Ok Let's Go

“Cutting, Carving, Chipping and Gouging. What’s not to love.”

build it for me

I love to create beautifully handcrafted, authentically built string instruments which are more than just your average box. I live in a world of sawdust, oil, metal and varnish. Come join me.

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fix it for me

Cracks, chips, scratches and breakages. These are my bread and butter. I love the feeling I get when I finally find the perfect varnish match or when a tricky project starts to come together.

Show me your work

value it for me

I regularly attend auctions of instruments and I keep an eager eye on the sale values from auctions around the world. Perfect whether you’re a musician looking for an insurance valuation or you’re looking to sell.

Learn More

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I had a lovely violin on loan while mine was being repaired. John Francis made it really easy to collect and return the violin, despite being in a different city at the time. It played beautifully! Always very informative and accommodating.

Highly recommended.

Lauren Clay

What an absolute cracker. This is quite simply exactly what I was looking for.

Iain Ward

Thank you so much! I’m so happy with the match of the colour. It’s as though it was never there.

Rowan Bell

When I had the unfortunate incident of opening my violin case to see the neck had come away from the main body of my violin I asked John if he would have a look. After a couple of weeks my violin was returned to me and was sounding as good as ever. Thank you for the painstaking repair you produced to bring my old fiddle back to life.

Paul Wedge

John did a quick soundpost adjustment on my viola between rehearsals and he opened up the sound beautifully… He’s professional and it was a joy to experience someone who’s no.1 priority was to make sure I was happy with how my instrument sounded and felt. His musicianship and experience as a violinist is a huge bonus, I can’t recommend his services highly enough.

Adam Maha

Drop me a message

Get In touch below. Ask Any Question or GIVE ME A CALL

+447703048042

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Office Location

54 Fosse Road, Farndon, Nottinghamshire NG24 4ST

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Open Hours

Mon – Sat: 9am – 8pm

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Email

[email protected]