Portrait
Ian McWilliams is a Canadian luthier based in Brandenburg an der Havel, west of Berlin, and one of the most sought-after contemporary makers working today.
He was educated in Vancouver and worked in England from 2002 before establishing himself in Germany. He works from Guarneri del Gesu, and returns often to the "Lord Wilton". His antiquing is the thing other makers notice: it is done with real mastery rather than applied as a finish.
His instruments are played by chamber and orchestral musicians internationally, and demand consistently outstrips what he makes.
The "Lord Wilton" is one of the most popular models we carry, and Ian is among the small number of makers who genuinely get the best out of it. His 2025 example was particularly beautiful and showed off the antiquing at its best. The sound is very full and round with particular emphasis on the G and D strings, which are outstanding, while the A and E have a lyrical quality that lets them sing without losing projection. A very beautiful chamber or orchestral instrument.
Elsewhere
Compare instruments against each other, and against an antique, in a blind test with studio audio. No labels until you have chosen.
What models does Ian McWilliams work from?
Guarneri del Gesu, including the "Lord Wilton".
Where are Ian McWilliams instruments made?
In Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany. Every instrument is then set up and checked in our own London workshop before it reaches a player.
