Fiddler Dan Violins & Workshop Brisbane

22/05/2026

Some violin varnishing projects

One of the ways to practice my varnishing skills is to work on in-the-white instruments, instruments that have been made but not varnished. These skills have recently been augmented by my Lord Mayors creative arts fellowship where I have been learning varnishing from a 3rd generation Italian violin maker. Below is the journey of my practice instrument, a corner-less medieval violin....

One of the ways to practice my varnishing skills is to work on in-the-white instruments, instruments that have been made but not varnished. These skills have recently been augmented by my Lord Mayors creative arts fellowship where I have been learning varnishing from a 3rd generation Italian violin....

21/05/2026

A Journey Through Violin Varnish Recipes

Some Violin recipie ingredients and a Violin after the varnishing process One of the great mysteries surrounding violins is the world of varnish recipes. They have been studied extensively, guarded as trade secrets, and endlessly debated among violin makers and restorers. Every professional and amateur maker seems to have a favourite formula, shared through workshops, books, professional publications, and the far reaches of the internet....

One of the great mysteries surrounding violins is the world of varnish recipes. They have been studied extensively, guarded as trade secrets, and endlessly debated among violin makers and restorers. Every professional and amateur maker seems to have a favourite formula, shared through workshops, boo...

04/05/2026

Italian Varnishing – A Journeyman’s Tale

There’s always been a lot of intrigue around Antonio Stradivari and his varnishing techniques. Was there a secret recipe? While there’s likely something to it, I suspect the mystique is a little overblown. Violin after the varnishing process That said, the varnishing traditions of the Italian masters are absolutely worth studying for any aspiring violin maker. Whether working with oil- or spirit-based varnish, there’s a depth of knowledge—and yes, plenty of “secret ingredients”—to explore....

There’s always been a lot of intrigue around Antonio Stradivari and his varnishing techniques. Was there a secret recipe? While there’s likely something to it, I suspect the mystique is a little overblown. That said, the varnishing traditions of the Italian masters are absolutely worth studying ...

25/04/2026

Worship Music: A Hidden Playing Opportunity for Violinists

Some of the people I play worship music with One of the playing and performing opportunities you don’t hear much about (see also orchestras and fiddle groups),but is surprisingly popular among violinists who come through my workshop is worship music (also cello and violas too). Whether it’s traditional hymns or more contemporary worship, the violin (and other stringed instruments) is a natural fit....

One of the playing and performing opportunities you don’t hear much about (see also orchestras and fiddle groups),but is surprisingly popular among violinists who come through my workshop is worship music (also cello and violas too). Whether it’s traditional hymns or more contemporary worship, t...

23/02/2026

Fiddle Teachers and lessons in Brisbane

Something I’m regularly asked in the shop is: Gareth Mewes: Brisbane performer and fiddle teacher “Can you recommend a good fiddle teacher in Brisbane?” And of course I can. A steady stream of folk and alternative-genre musicians pass through my workshop door, so I get to see who’s active, who’s performing, and who’s teaching. But recommending a fiddle teacher isn’t just about naming someone good — it’s about matching the needs of the player with the right teacher....

Something I’m regularly asked in the shop is: “Can you recommend a good fiddle teacher in Brisbane?” And of course I can. A steady stream of folk and alternative-genre musicians pass through my workshop door, so I get to see who’s active, who’s performing, and who’s teaching. But recomme...

22/01/2026

Violin Repairs and Violins for Brisbane’s Bayside and Redlands

If you’re looking for violin repairs in Brisbane’s Bayside, you’ve probably noticed there aren’t many local options. I get a steady stream of visitors from the Bayside and Redlands area looking for violins, bows, and professional string instrument repairs. Since the closure of Binary Music in Cleveland, my workshop has become the closest music store for string musicians, as a dedicated violin and string repair services for the region, from Victoria point to Wynnum....

If you’re looking for violin repairs in Brisbane’s Bayside, you’ve probably noticed there aren’t many local options. I get a steady stream of visitors from the Bayside and Redlands area looking for violins, bows, and professional string instrument repairs. Since the closure of Binary Music i...

15/12/2025

First Strings, Brisbane

First Strings Brisbane…the unboxing I was delighted to setup a whosale account with "First Strings" string instruments down at Nerang and trial order a few instruments. It's leapfrogged out of the well known Dalseno String Studio in Nerang and has been a growing buzz with strings teachers around Brisbane. Run by David and Jenny Dalseno First Strings has a strong players eye err......

Looking for First Strings Brisbane? I have just started stocking some of their instruments and looking to expand the range, so let me know what you are looking for and come see me. Happy to order in for trials too.

03/12/2025

Becoming a Violin Teacher

Over the years I’ve gotten to know many violin teachers in my area—usually through their students at first. There’s a constant cycling of new graduates entering the teaching world. For some it’s a side hustle before stepping into performing work or permenant school roles; for others, the home-studio life is exactly what they want, and they stick with it. Our conversations usually revolve around pay rates, referring students to each other ( I do on their students’ instruments) and the violin world in general....

Over the years I’ve gotten to know many violin teachers in my area—usually through their students at first. There’s a constant cycling of new graduates entering the teaching world. For some it’s a side hustle before stepping into performing work or permenant school roles; for others, the hom...

25/08/2025

A little bit about violin Rosin.

Hidersine Rosins have been made in the UK for ever ( They also make the Hills Rosin as well). Sold with varying grades of Rosin 1v, 3v, 6V, 12V and the Hide...

28/02/2025

a little sound hack