Commissioning an instrument

My mission is to provide high quality, hand-crafted, artisanal instruments at affordable prices.

Commissioning an instrument from

Alexander Horsburgh Fiddlemaker

gives you the chance to have an instrument made

to your own specifications.

Violins are generally made to standard measurements, but even within the range of what is considered “normal”, there is room for variation. My instruments are based on the designs of some of the great makers of the past such as Antonio Stradivari, Nicolò Amati and Giovanni Paulo Maggini. You will be involved in deciding which model to work from, and in the choice of wood, fittings, and varnish. We will talk about the kind of tone you are looking for – maybe you want an instrument with a rounded, mellow tone, or perhaps you are looking for one with good sound projection.

Violas offer much wider scope for variation in size. Large instruments can have great tone, but can be harder to play for extended periods. We will discuss what size you will feel is comfortable, and still give that distinctive viola sound.

Or perhaps you are looking for something more unusual – a five-string violin, for instance, or one which doesn’t have corners. Maybe you have your heart set on a “baroque” instrument, or would like a non-traditional scroll. The possibilities, while not endless, are numerous.

Once the instrument is made, you’ll have time to play it to decide if it meets your needs.

I hope it will.