Chris Lilley Violin Maker
Chris Lilley is based in: Milton Cambridge England Tel: +44(0)1223 502197 email: chrisfiddle@hotmail.com |
My violins are based on the 1743 Guarneri del Gesu model known as “Il Cannone“, this instrument was prized by the great violin virtuoso Paganini for its power and resonance.
When deciding on a model to base my instruments upon it seemed a logical choice, a violin that is renowned for its power and tone, one that was never given up by one of the greatest violinists of all time.
So I chose this model not for its scroll, or purfling, not for the shape of its f-holes or any other athsetic but for its sound.
My personal philosophy is one that still follows this ideal, whilst I have to admit to trying to be a bit neater than del Gesu, my primary concerns are in sound, the shape of the arch, the thicknessing and various other tonal aspects, take a far higher priority in my work than the appearance. If you don’t love my violins for their sound then I might not sell you one!
Chris' Violins are made completely by Chris from start to finish, by hand, using well seasoned tone woods . Please follow the links below to see images of different violins available, their prices and in some cases (approximate) completion dates.
| Violin 1 | Violin 2 | Violin 3 |
| Violin 4 | Beginners/Student violins |
Chris Lilley has been making Violins for 10 years, (and playing them for 14) having had an informal apprenticeship, from his good friend Bernard Wawman Chris moved to Rural Ireland, spending a lot of time honing his skills and refining his techniques, to give what he believes is a very individual and distinctive range of Violins, each having been fully hand crafted using traditional techniques and varnishes. Chris Lilley Guarantees his instruments for life against manufacturing defects, and is always happy to offer impartial advice on any instrument brought before him. As a musician himself Chris prides himself on only playing his own instruments.
Pricing for Violins starts at £3000 for an instrument with plain back and sides, additional features such as double purfling would cost an extra £1000. Chris is more than happy to discuss various cosmetic details, and factors affecting playability, eg the exact shape of the neck etc, but will not alter the fundamental design of the instrument or "copy" another instrument.