Tim Phillips

The first instruments I ever made, were two ‘violins’ late in 1992. Now I’m fast approaching 400 violins and have also begun to make carved mandolins. As a self taught, full-time instrument maker I am free to develop ideas of construction, style and tone as I wish.

I have made my home firmly in the Folk music world where there is a certain freedom of expression which does not exist in classical circles. As a result, I have been able to make many different styles of violins which have been embraced by the individuality of the players, both amateur and professional.

About half the instruments I make are made to order, the rest are made for stock to sell from here or at music festivals.

There’s a certain pleasure in making instruments in our press-button world. Creating something by hand from raw materials is not common any more. My customers love their violins, and pass on their pleasure to the people they play with and to those who listen to them. That’s got to be good !

My violins are played by professional and amateur musicians around the world, in many styles including: Classical, Jazz, Cajun, Contemporary and Traditional Folk .

Please enjoy the shapes, colours , tunings, and originality of my instruments, and may they at least bring a small smile to your face!