Alan Ward

Since establishing my workshop 20 years ago work has been spread equally between making new instruments — mostly cellos in recent years, and the restoration & repair of a wide variety of older instruments — e.g. Carcassi, Celoniato, Grancino, Guadagnini, Bernadel, Chanot, etc..

A full range of technical support is offered (except bow work). Anything can be done to put an instrument back into an excellent condition — from tonal adjustments and setting-up — to plastercasts of various parts for fitting internal patches etc. that will conserve and support original but cracked and damaged areas.

For anyone whose violin etc. is in need of emergency remedial work I would be very pleased to help out. This could be anything from — telephone advice, a minor adjustment, gluing an open seam or removing a buzz — to perhaps even major restoration. Unfortunately accidents do happen occasionally, but instruments can be restored successfully.

Clients come from around the UK and abroad and include — BBC Orchestras, Alberni Quartet, LSO, National Youth Orchestra, and the Benslow Musical Instrument Loan Scheme which has purchased two cellos and two violins.

Generally my instruments are based on the works of Old Masters — for example a cello by Giovani Grancino of 1693 that has been a successful model in my repertoire for some years now. 

Violins of Antonio Stradivari tend to suit my making style most — although a Nicolo Amati of 1663 the Spagnoletti is something I've recently used and violas of various models scaled to modern size preferences. I’ve also made half and quarter size Strad violins and instruments of my own design.

I am happy to make anything required to commission — model or colour etc..