shall we make something beautiful?

 It all starts with a simple phone call

Commission a new instrument 

Work one on one with me to find your perfect sound

the process

  • Phone up for a chat
  • Decide on the instrument’s purpose
  • Pick a model
  • Choose the materials
  • Pay deposit to secure your place on the list
  • Watch your creation come to life
  • Pay the balance upon receipt 

the build

  • Down to work
  • Carvety Carve 
  • Scrollety make
  • Ribsety bend
  • Splashety Varnish
  • You come along
  • Playety play
  • You can even  watch the whole thing develop on my social media platforms

On a serious note, the woodwork is where I’m in my element. I’m not necessarily a businessman, advertiser or showman but I do love being in the workshop. Clients either have a lot to say at this time or trust me to build it – either way I’m happy..

The time

Often clients want to know how long it will take to produce their instrument. It’s dependant on a whole host of factors so I tend to give timeframe ranges for delivery. As a rough guide, violins and violas will take on average around 3 – 6 months and cellos 6 – 9 months. This doesn’t take into account my waiting list times so get your deposit in to secure your place on the list.

    Secure Your Spot

    Lock in your place on the waiting list by laying down your deposit today

    “Measure twice, cut once.” Words that ring in my ears before I put saw or chisel to wood. 

    Get in touch

    I’m old fashioned. It’s good to talk. Give me a call.

    +447703048042

    The cost

    My instruments are made to exacting standards for professional players and as such, are priced competitively with regard to what is available from the antique market as well as from other modern makers.  Every commission is unique and each client has their own requirements so prices are calculated individually to reflect this.  Additional research time for an unusual model or specially requested materials and fittings are components that will affect the final price. As a rough guide :  Violins start at £8500, Violas at £9500 and Cellos at £18000.  

      • Competitive Pricing
      • Great Value For Money
      • Passionate Workmanship

      The 1695 Ruggieri copy at various stages of the build. Left – clamping the front and back together, right – after the first coat of varnish and above in the sun showing the tigerstripe figure of the maple.

      the pAYOFF

      • A fully bespoke instrument
      • Leave your musical legacy for future generations
      • An instrument built around you
      • A great investment for the future
      ”

      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

      Office Location

      54 Fosse Road, Farndon, Nottinghamshire NG24 4ST

      Open Hours

      Mon – Sat: 9am – 8pm

      Email

      [email protected]

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