Violas have absorbed a lot of my time in recent years.  I've been lucky to have had commissions for a wide range of sizes, which has helped me to think deeply about all the problems involved in making violas which are both comfortable for the player and which sound outstanding.   This work has included the development of my own model of small violas for children and petite adults, in sizes from 13 1/4 inch to 15 inches.  

Recognition for this work has come from sales to players at all the major UK music colleges, specialist music schools and many orchestral and chamber music players.

Many of my violas are made to commission, as I find that this is the best way of producing a viola which is optimal for the player both in sound and in feel.  It can be particularly helpful to customise neck shape and size and string spacing to the individual.  I also sometimes have violas available from stock.

As a recognised authority on violas, I was invited to give a talk about making violas at the Lutherie 2006 annual conference held at the Newark School of Violinmaking, and subsequently at the 2008 British Violin Making Association annual conference.    I’ve also written a number of articles about aspects of making violas for the Strad.  You can download these from the Talks and Articles section of this website.


Click for more about my professional model violas, size 15 inches (38cm) and larger.


Click for more about violas of 15 inches (38cm) down to the size of a threequarter size violin, which are available for sale or to hire