Handcrafting violins in Sheffield inspired by nature, tradition, and community

Hardy Violins offers a comprehensive range of services, including rentals, rehairs, repairs and making new instruments.

Violin making is a true craft; a delicate blend of art and science 

In a world where everything is increasingly dominated by large businesses and ‘growth’ mindset, violin makers remain a steadfast presence, quietly working at their benches to support the musicians who rely on us for the preservation and crafting of their instruments.

After undertaking many years of training to hone my skills, I am proud to play my part in preserving a 400-year-old tradition.

What are you looking for today?


  • "Emma took good care of my violin and bows, helping me to play through 15 performances in 3 weeks with great sound and comfort"

    – Bar Markovich, International Violinist

  • "Great service all around. I will be back for all future needs"

    – Landon Peck, Music Psychology Researcher

  • "Excellent service! Brought in my grandad's old violin and Emma restored it beautifully. It's a joy to play"

    Frida Green

  • "Emma is friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about making and repairing violins. She is also reasonably priced and honest"

    Hazel Ferguson

  • "Delighted with the service!"

    Simon Campbell

Folk Who Roam

Independent, award making film maker Emma Crome, and ethnographic photographer Cat Vinton have been following my journey to design and make a folk fiddle inspired by the Peak District for the local folk players.

Watch the teaser trailer to find out more. Film release scheduled for Summer/Autumn 2024.

Violin Making & More Substack

Follow my Substack blog for updates in the workshop, musings on my making practice and other topics that pique my interest

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Instagram

Follow me on instagram: @HardyViolins

I’m often asked about the difference between a violin and a fiddle, and the short answer is this: they’re the same thing. But there’s a slightly longer answer, too… Link in bio for my latest substack article. #fiddle #folkfiddle #violinmaking
Bamford Apple Day🍎 There’s still an alarming number of apples on our tree… please send apple themed recipes! Thanks @roxannagbaz for excellent company & some of these clips! #villagelife #appleday #bamford
We recently moved out to Bamford (but I’m keeping my workshop in Sheffield). We’ve been greeted by lovely neighbours, gorgeous crisp Peak District mornings and have a string of community events (hello Apple Festival) lined up so now I feel like a character in the Gilmore Girls (my dream). Our next big project will be turning the stables that came with the house into a workshop for @williamszott . Let the fun commence 🍎
My workshop will be open to visitors this Saturday along with many of the other makers and artists in the building. If you have a violin/viola/cello or bow that could do with a checkup, this weekend is an ideal time to drop by for a free consultation. Curious people with no instruments also welcome, though! #sheffield #violinmaking #madeinsheffield #violin #fiddle
We’ve had a lovely first day here at @shrewsburyfolkfestival - Will & I are here with a selection of handmade and restored violins & violas. I also have the @folkwhoroam community fiddle with me for people to come along and enjoy 🎻 @williamszott #violinmaker #fiddlemaker #folkfiddle #shrewsburyfolkfestival #sheffield #madeinsheffield #tradfolk #heritagecraft
Ash back and a maple back violin also recently finished #violinmaker #violinmaking #classicalmusic #folkmusic #englishfolk #luthier #traditionalcraft #handcraft #heritagecraft #folkfiddle #violinist #sheffield #madeinsheffield #sheffieldmakers
Cornerless violin: This one was originally going to be a 5-string violin, but time was against me for getting it ready for Sidmouth Folk Festival later this week, so I reverted back to a four string (and will pick up the 5-string project at the end of summer!). I’ll have a stand at the Masonic Hall at Sidmouth from 2nd-9th of August with this and other instruments I’ve been busy making available for purchase. Come say hi! #violinmaking #fiddlemaker #fiddlemaking #folkfiddle #cornerlessviolin #luthier #madeinsheffield #sheffieldmaker #womeninlutherie #womeninwoodworking #craft #heritagecraft #traditionalcraft
A few snippets of some of the purfling process as I work on my cornerless 5-string violin. Visitors to the workshop are often surprised to discover that the lines around the edges of a violin/viola/cello aren’t drawn on, but are instead inlays of wood. After scratching on an outline using a purfling marker, we carefully cut using a narrow knife down to a precise depth, before ‘picking’ the channel out. Then glue is dropped into the channel and the purfling is pressed in section by section. Getting the corners perfectly lined up to form a nice mitre joint is usually the biggest headache of the whole process, so it’s felt very luxurious being able to skip this step on this instrument! #violinmaking #folkfiddle #luthier #sheffield #madeinsheffield #violinmaker #woodworking #handcrafts #traditionalcraft #heritagecrafts #portlandworks
Rib structure for my 5-string violin has come together nicely. #violinmaking #fiddle #5string #folkmusic #madeinsheffield
We had our first proper stay in the tiny house this weekend 🌿 Like any Grand Designs project, this one is over budget and over schedule, but now we’re at the point where we can comfortably spend a couple of nights camping out in something we built ourselves and it feels pretty great. #tinyhouse

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