PAUL COLLINS ~ VIOLIN MAKER

Paul Collins has been making fine violins, violas and cellos since graduating from the Newark School of Violin Making in 1984 , one of the world's most prestigious colleges of lutherie.

"I only make the finest possible instruments to the highest level both acoustically and aesthetically".

"They are made using the same tools available to the great Cremonese violin makers. The planes, knives and gauges are similar to those used in the workshops of Stradivarius and Guarneri.
My instruments are based on the designs of the Great Italian violin makers but with my own unique style subtly incorporated".

"I use the finest aged tone woods selected for each instrument. "As wood is a living material each piece is worked according to its individual properties to produce the best possible sound and aesthetics. "After the wood-working process is complete each instrument undergoes a lengthy varnish process which lasts up to a month".

"I use only natural varnish and colouring materials to give the instrument anauthentic appearance". "It is then ready for final stage which includes fitting pegs, bridge and strings and the instrument is carefully adjusted for sound and to suit the player".