The Violin Makers of Old London Bridge: Recent Discoveries of English Lutherie
London Bridge has had a traditional place in English violin lore, however the principle legend that Edward Pamphilon worked there in the seventeenth century. Both Cecile Stainer in 1896 and E.J. Payne writing for Grove in 1900 asserted his presence there, but upon what evidence is unknown for no nothing has come to light since […]
A 21st Century Violin
Is there pressure to rethink the violin for the 21st Century, and how will our culture and craft respond to it? After all, we tinker with most things. Why not the violin. Benjamin Hebbert gives it at least another 500 years the way it is now. Violin makers are some of the most inventive people I know, […]
On the Arrogance of Experts (or the Principles of Knowing).
Expertise and the ability to authenticate violins has much to do with practical applied philosophy, as a way of understanding how an opinion can have a high degree of veritas. How can we trust a judgement to be sound, if as an observer you are unable to test the attribution in a satisfactory way for […]
Cars, horses and why Stradivaris (may) sound best.
During my time at Christie’s the fine musical instruments and classic car departments shared the same office. Over time I realised I was using way too many car analogies for violins, but to my relief, the car specialist seemed to be picking up an equal number the other way. I’ve found them incredibly useful ever since, so on the […]
Why Musicians should appeal against the Ivory Act.
Benjamin Hebbert on the ethical tightrope of representing musician’s interests and campaigning for exemptions to the ivory act, and explains why you must act and sign the petition to appeal the 2018 Ivory Act’s Registration Requirement if you want to stamp out the illegal trade that continues the slaughter of elephants. Sign the petition here. […]
Welcome to Omopod.com
There’s a new podcast for everyone who loves violins. Time to duck and run for cover…. Benjamin Hebbert confesses: Believe the legend or not, poor Omobono Stradivari is celebrated as the most hapless of all violin makers. A failed business venture in Naples led him to being disinherited by his father, or so the evidence leads. […]
The Art of the Deal: Some insights for buyers.
Haggling has become a part of the culture of violin buying, but musicians prove to be very inexperienced negotiators. The results can end up as a road crash, and can have unintended negative consequences for buyer and seller alike. Benjamin Hebbert explains some of the processes behind pricing instruments, and how to get the most for […]
Second Opinions? What about a third?
You wouldn’t buy a house without a survey, so why buy a violin without a qualified second opinion? But things are never quite as simple. Benjamin Hebbert writes about the issues of divided opinions. In Britain the housing market is supported by the profession of the Chartered Surveyor, an expert who has no financial stake in the […]
Conference (14-15 September 2019): Early Violin Makers in Northern Europe 1560-1725
I’m delighted to be chairman, co-ordinator, curator, chief bottle-washer and over all dogsbody for the British Violin Making Association’s 2019 Conference on The Early Violin Makers in Northern Europe, 1560-1725. The conference will highlight some of the spectacular instrument making from north of the Alps, from England and the low-counties, through France, Füssen and of course […]
Three Memes (apologies to viola players)
Back in 2012 when memes suddenly appeared, I was in between violin dealing and a period of messing around with my perpetual doctorate. Three things seemed to sum up my life at the time. My work in the library, my developing expertise as a violin expert, and my newfound love of the viola. So I […]
