Models To make a good instrument it is always imperative that I start with at good model. For violins I usually begin with the models of Joseph Guarneri del Gesu.

This great Italian Master, who was working in Cremona during its golden age, left us with some wonderful violins which look and sound beautiful. His violins that I use the most are the King Joseph from 1737 and the Lord Wilton from 1742.

Choosing a model for violas is a little more difficult. Size is an important factor both in terms of the sound and the ease of playing. I have developed a range of violas based on the style of the Brescian masters such as Gasparo da Salo and Maggini.

To get the optimum sound theses instruments have a relatively short stop length for their body size which makes them comfortable to play whilst still producing a full resonant viola sound.

I make these in a range of sizes from 400mm (15 3/4) 420mm (16 1/2) with stop length of 215mm and 220mm respectively.

I also use the Conte viola by Andreas Guarneri. This is one of the greatest violas ever made and has a back length of 161/4 or 415 mm.