Hello from a very windy, stormy North Berwick! Just back from the annual BVMA, British Violin Making Association, makers day in Kings Place, London. I’m lucky enough to have commission orders so I had to borrow back a violin and viola. One was inspired by Guarneri del Gesu 1742, Lord Wilton copy, and the viola was based on Andrea Guarneri Conte Vitale 1676 copy. The last few years I have pledged a violin which has always been chosen for the quartet. This year I decided to step out of my comfort zone and pledge a viola. I was delighted the viola was chosen by the Kreutzer quartet, and it was played and talked about. Thanks again to the Kreutzer quartet for making the BVMA memorable.
I’m still beavering away on the cello, ribs done, scroll done, plates cut out and edged ready for purfling. So I’m getting there and enjoying the challenges of making a cello. Just closing the box on a Strad violin, which I’ve made for myself , I was keen to try a few new ideas (purfling and edge work). The violin will be for sale when it’s finished. Just about to start a Maggini viola for a freelance musician in London, so the workshop is busy.
This year we’ve been lucky enough already to see Joshua Bell and Rachel Barton Pine. Although very different styles, both exceptional players. Hearing the Gibson ex Huberman Stradivari’s violin and the Soldat Guarneri del Gesu 1742 violin, was a delight, to be so close to hear these wonderful instruments was amazing.
Came back to the workshop full of ideas and colour and sounds in my head. It’s going to be busy year but I’m looking forward to Spring and some warmer weather in North Berwick. To see my latest work and photographs, check out facebook, Colin Charles Adamson and instagram Colin Adamson.
Colin made me a Guarneri violin back in 2016 and I’ve been extremely happy with it. It makes a beautiful sound and it’s seen me through conservatoire and now into my professional career. It’s a gorgeous instrument and I look forward to many years to come with it by my side. Colin is lovely to work with and always very interested and helpful whenever I take my violin to get serviced. I recommend Adamson violins to anyone looking for a new instrument.
I’ve been the lucky owner of one of Colin’s Violins for 3 years now. The tone, the balance and the ease of playability have inspired and pushed me to play and to explore techniques and styles that I had not dared to attempt before. I’ve never been happier with an instrument and the violin has been all over the world with me.Colin himself is a wonderfully kind man, a master craftsman and incredibly attentive. His regular updates during the build process were a regular excitement for me and he is very mindful of the upkeep and maintenance of the instruments after completion. His dedication is inspiring and I could not recommend him any more highly for those looking for a world class instrument to further their playing and career.
I am the proud and delighted owner of a Colin Adamson Guarneri copy violin which was made for me in 2019. Despite my being just a very keen amateur player, Colin was lovely to deal with at every stage of the violin commission and I always felt a cherished customer. He sent me photos and videos as my violin was being created which was so exciting and lovely to keep. Any professionals who have played the violin have been so clearly impressed by its quality; of tone, responsiveness, ‘handling’ and beautiful antiqued appearance. I love practising and playing it every day.
I am the delighted owner of one of Colin’s Magini violas. Colin was very attentive to my requests and created a spectacular instrument! The rich tone matches the rich appearance of the viola. After playing it for 6 years, I couldn’t be more pleased.
I have been playing this beautiful viola made by Colin Adamson since 2020. Colin is an exceptional Luthier whose instruments are modeled lovingly on the great Italian masters. Mine is an Andrea Guarneri inspired viola that has sounded glorious from the day I first picked it up. His restoration and repair work is also of the highest quality.
Colin serviced my 100 year old violin. It came back looking pristine. As well as this, the sound was much clearer and more focused. It is so reassuring to take your instrument to someone who you trust and takes such care and pride in their work.Thanks Colin
The year started at the BVMA makers day 25th of Feb at Kings place in London. I brought two violas to exhibit-Andrea Guarneri 1690 inspired copy 16 1/4 and a ...Read More
Summer 2023 update!
It's been a while! Can't quite believe how time flies! The last 3 years have been incredibly busy. I managed to finish a cello during the first lockdown. I enjoyed ...Read More
