Our Favourite British Violin Makers in 2024

Explore our favourite British violin makers in 2024 at MyLuthier. Based in London, our collection features exceptional instruments from top UK luthiers.

British violin makers are gaining well-deserved recognition for their exceptional craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities. Being based in London, British makers hold a special place in our collection for us at MyLuthier. Our curated selection features some of the most talented and sought-after luthiers in the UK, known for producing instruments that blend traditional techniques with modern advancements. Due to the high demand for these remarkable violins, many makers have limited availability. To ensure you have access to these exquisite instruments, we offer the option to commission a custom violin directly through us, providing a seamless and personalized experience for acquiring your perfect instrument.

Here are our favourite British violins available for sale right now!

Violin by Douglas MacArthur, Scotland 2022

Violin by Douglas MacArthur, Scotland 2022
£ 25,000 GBP

Another eye catching violin by the talented Scottish maker Douglas MacArthur. Over the years, we have seen increasing demand for Douglas' instruments amongst London musicians due to their unique balance of aesthetics and sound. This a beautifully antiqued violin with a dark & rich sound, sure to please players looking for refined instrument that easily carries through a hall.

About

Douglas MacArthur

Violin by Douglas MacArthur, Scotland 2022

I am continually working with musicians to develop the tone and playability of my instruments, travelling, sometimes hundreds of miles, to study the master works of Stradivari, Guarneri etc, as well as those of my contemporaries, and putting the time aside to study in depth all aspects of my craft.

Violin by Colin Cross, 2023

Stradivarius
Violin by Colin Cross, 2023
£ 14,000 GBP

We recently received this beautifully crafted Stradivari model violin by Colin Cross. This violin features a beautiful design, characterized by a deep, sophisticated finish and its sound quality is outstanding. Featuring a notably rich and full sound, as well as a clear and powerful tone , making it ideal for many different genres. The instrument displays very good projection and precision, with remarkable resonance, particularly in the mid-range. At this price range, it makes a compelling choice for musicians seeking top-tier instrument.

About

Colin Cross

Violin by Colin Cross, 2023

Colin's reputation as a restorer of considerable skill has been well earned. Professional players, violin dealerships across the country, and other players, often bring specific projects hundreds of miles for his specialist restoration.

Violin by W. E. Hill & Sons, Bergonzi

Carlo Bergonzi
Violin by W. E. Hill & Sons, Bergonzi
£ 29,000 GBP

Since 1762, the Hill name has represented a combination of craftsmanship and the highest standards of expertise. Today, under the supervision of Peter Greiner and Robert Brewer Young, the company carries on with its great legacy of violin making, with its latest instruments continuing where the old Hill instruments left off. The name Hill is synonymous with English violin making and this violins is no different, being fully crafted in their beautiful Hampstead studio. This violin has a bright and unique sound. It is extremely responsive and precise. This clarity allows the instrument plenty of projection, particularly in the higher register. Overall, this violin offers a wide tonal range and the brilliance that many musicians are seeking.

About

W. E. Hill & Sons

Violin by W. E. Hill & Sons, Bergonzi

Since 1762, the name Hill has represented a combination of craftsmanship and the highest standards of expertise that the firm continues to offer, with a long and distinguished history of instrument and bow making.  

In continuing the tradition of W. E. Hill & Sons, they assembled a talented team to produce instruments, bows, and accessories to exacting standards for contemporary concert artists.

Every instrument and bow is made entirely in their Hampstead workshop.

The construction of W. E. Hill & Sons instruments is continuing under the direction of Stefan-Peter Greiner and Robert Brewer Young. The instruments are modelled after golden-period Stradivari, including the Messiah of 1716, notable Bergonzis and the Rode Guarneri del Gesu of 1734. These instruments all have historical connections to the W. E. Hill & Sons firm.

Violin by Philippe Briand, Canterbury 2020

Violin by Philippe Briand, Canterbury 2020
£ 13,000 GBP

A beautiful instrument by Philippe Briand, who is based in Canterbury, Kent. Philippe specialises mostly in restoration and he is very well known for his beautiful varnish. The violin is very even and is a delight to play. The bow seamlessly travels from one string to another and the sound is very smooth throughout. It has good projection and the sound carries nicely in larger spaces. It would be very well suited to orchestral or chamber music playing.

About

Philippe Briand

Violin by Philippe Briand, Canterbury 2020

Philippe is a French violin maker and graduated with merit from the Newark School of Violin Making, where he trained from 2001 to 2005 under teachers Patrick Jowett, Kerry Boylan, Robert Cain, Paul Harrild and Paul Gossling amongst others.

From 2005 to 2007, he made new double basses for Thomas Martin in Banbury, Oxfordshire, which were commissioned by music students and professionals around the world. During this time, he also studied old Italian and English double basses.

From 2007 to 2013, he specialised in restoration and instrument set up at the workshop of Bridgewood and Neitzert in Stoke Newington, London where he was a senior restorer.

From 2013, he opened his workshop in the city of Canterbury where he offers restoration and repair services, along with a freelance association (since 2015) with the J&A Beares firm in London for whom he has been doing repairs and set ups.

About the Author

MyLuthier was started by two friends while they were studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London. The idea was to provide musicians with exceptional instruments at a price they can afford. We travelled Europe in search for the best contemporary makers and we’re proud of our selection and the partnerships we’ve developed.

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