Rudolf Pilsel

Rudolf Pilsel Maker of the finest violin, violas, cellos and bows. Restorations and repairs. A Complete service for the String Player

Maker of the finest Violins, Violas, Cellos and Bows.

In for a new bridge. A violin I made in 1999. I always thought the varnish was a bit light but it produces an astounding...
03/09/2026

In for a new bridge. A violin I made in 1999. I always thought the varnish was a bit light but it produces an astounding tone.

This morning's job. Making a replica screw and button to replace the one featured in my previous post which had a shorte...
25/08/2026

This morning's job. Making a replica screw and button to replace the one featured in my previous post which had a shortened screw.

Another interesting one on the bench today. A lovely viola bow, from the playing point of view, but a few problems. Woo...
24/08/2026

Another interesting one on the bench today. A lovely viola bow, from the playing point of view, but a few problems. Wood? Ironwood possibly or extremely dark pernambuco. There is a stamp of some letters under the frog but I can't make them out. Pics and explanations below.

A viola which I made in 2002 and two bows I made more recently, in for a "once over" before the start of the next season...
22/08/2026

A viola which I made in 2002 and two bows I made more recently, in for a "once over" before the start of the next season. Played by a student who has a punishing practice regime, I am pleased to report the all that is required is clean of the viola and a polish of the silver bow parts!

A Violin which I made in 1986 from English wood from a tree felled in 1981 near Northwich in Cheshire. It is in for a se...
12/08/2026

A Violin which I made in 1986 from English wood from a tree felled in 1981 near Northwich in Cheshire. It is in for a service. The original owner was a music teacher and the violin has passed to his son who plays in a good local orchestra. It has been well looked after and the condition is excellent. I am particularly pleased with the varnish which is as it was originally laid on, bright, clear and flawless.

Purfled and half done! Next job is to make a mirror image on its right hand side!
08/08/2026

Purfled and half done! Next job is to make a mirror image on its right hand side!

Here's a rare one in for a rehair. Marcel Fetique, son of Victor. It really needs a new tip, some frog work and new lapp...
29/07/2026

Here's a rare one in for a rehair. Marcel Fetique, son of Victor. It really needs a new tip, some frog work and new lapping, but it is presently urgently needed for the NYO. Lovely playing stick!

Back for the first time since I made it 40 years ago this year, a violin which has been in constant use firstly by a wel...
29/07/2026

Back for the first time since I made it 40 years ago this year, a violin which has been in constant use firstly by a well known violin teacher and now by his son. It is in superb condition. The varnish is as fresh as it was when it went on (if in need of a clean) with no deterioration, no craquelle, no softening......everything that a good varnish should be after 40 years!!! More detailed pics when it is all serviced!!

Made from wood which came from a huge tree which grew in a lady's front garden in Weaverham, Cheshire, and which my brother in law and I cut in 1982, it has a lovely, well figured slab back with matching and neck. The front is fine grained Alpine spruce......the tone is divine!!!

Thicknesses finished and the interior being scraped smooth. The back plate of a violin varies in thickness from approxim...
27/07/2026

Thicknesses finished and the interior being scraped smooth. The back plate of a violin varies in thickness from approximately 4.5mm at the centre to 2.4 - 2.2mm at the flanks. There are no fixed "rules". Much depends on the density and the flexibility of each individual piece of wood, and it is here that experience "kicks in"! This will be ready to affixed to the sides or ribs later today! .....and later today came around quite quickly!!

At last! Ground colour on the next cello and now the varnishing begins aiming for a deep red!
22/07/2026

At last! Ground colour on the next cello and now the varnishing begins aiming for a deep red!

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162 Sydney Road
Crewe
CW15

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+441270257468

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