Handcrafting violins inspired by nature, tradition, and community

violin, viola, and cello repairs, bow rehairing, and new instrument making, offered by luthier Emma Hardy in Sheffield

Services

  • Repairs

    Expert repair services for violins, violas, and cellos, including maintenance, and fine adjustments to ensure optimal sound quality and playability. I also provide bow rehairing using high quality hair prepared the traditional way.

    Prices

  • New Making

    Using carefully selected materials and traditional techniques, I ensure exceptional tonal quality, playability, and aesthetic beauty in every instrument. Each creation is designed for both performance and longevity

    View instruments

  • Rentals

    I offer a range of rental instruments, including violins, violas, and cellos, suitable for players of all levels. Each instrument is carefully selected and maintained to ensure optimal sound quality and playability.

    Learn more

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.

  • "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

  • "Emma did an amazing job with my daughters violin. We bought it used and it was in a bit of a poor state but Emma worked her magic and now it sounds amazing

    – Luisa Meco

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 Spring/Summer 2025

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

Follow me on Instagram: @HardyViolins

BBC Look North came to Portland works to find out more about this important building’s role in supporting a thriving community of makers. Link in bio for the interview with me & other members of the community! #portlandworks #violinmaking
A few pictures from my week so far at Halsway Manor. I’m spending this week at the BVMA’s varnish course taught by Pierre Flavetta, we’re learning about the methods of ancient oil varnish and colouring, including varnish theory, the
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 #folkf
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 fe
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
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 o
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 b
Three instruments at various stages of varnishing: the group viola I’ve been making with @julianpindar & @williambatesviolins is nearly ready for its tan; the ash back violin has its ground and first varnish layer; and a violin I made last
While I’m finishing the varnish on the ash back, I’ve started thinking about my next instrument. I’m heading to Sidmouth & Shrewsbury folk festivals this summer, so thought I’d have a go at making something a bit more unus