This spring I had the honor and pleasure of building custom 5-string violin. In this case the extra string is low, a "C" strings effectively extending the violin's range down a 5th. Instruments of this type are popular with fiddlers across many genres. Since this was a commissioned instrument, the client and I had the opportunity to create a custom scroll...  Go to Sound Samples page to hear this violin played by the great fiddler Amy Hakanson!

​It’s a quiet time at the shop with Covid 19 outbreak, a good time to finally get to those gouge blanks I bought some years ago.  I’d hoped to use this project as an opportunity to learn wood turning on a lathe, but since I couldn’t go to my colleague's shop for a tutorial, I decided to make them with the tools at hand in the shop. I think they turned out pretty well!

We're very excited to finally host an open house, featuring our friend and shop neighbor Adam Lamotte! Join us for shop tours, wine & snacks!

https://www.facebook.com/events/458369528090833/?ti=as

Cho-Liang Lin plays my violin at Metzler's 3rd annual Contemporary Violin Makers Exhibit, instrument available at Thomas Metzler Violin Shop in Glendale CA. 
​http://metzlerviolins.com/anna-sandys-violin-2018-portland-usa/dp/31663

Photos of the violin I will have on display at the upcoming exhibit, looking forward to visiting L.A.  ​http://blog.metzlerviolins.com/event/third-annual-contemporary-american-violin-bow-maker-exhibition-sale-l-a/

We've set up shop in the Gus J. Solomon Buding at 620 SW Main Street, Suites 438-440. This is really a fabulous building in the heart of downtown Portland.
I'll continue to focus on building new instruments while Jenelle Steele will be offering repairs, restoration and rehairs of instruments and bows.
Shop hours are 9:30-5, Tuesday-Friday, or by appointment. Come say 'hi'!

Coming this January,I'll be opening a new workshop with fellow Luthier Jenelle Steele! Conveniently located in downtown Portland Oregon at 620 SW Main Street, our shop will offer the full complement of violin family and bow re-hair, repair, restoration and set-up/ adjustment services. Keep an eye out for our grand opening party!