Handcrafting violins inspired by nature, tradition, and community

violin, viola, and cello making, offered by luthier Emma Hardy in Sheffield

Instrument Portfolio

  • "This is the most playable 5-string I've ever come across! Gorgeous balance and tone"

    – Rowan Piggott, D’addario Artist

  • "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

Services

  • 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

  • Classes

    Practical, small-group classes in violin making and tool restoration held on evenings and weekends at Portland Works, Sheffield.

    View Classes

  • 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

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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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

Borrow our community fiddle

Follow me on Instagram: @HardyViolins

My Lyddie Shears inspired violin is finished! I first heard the story of Lyddie Shears through a song written by @rosiehoodfolk . This shapeshifting witch would take the form of a hare to dart across the countryside in an act of pure joy with her f
With the imminent move into my new larger workshop space, I’m really excited to be able to start offering evening hobby classes teaching violin/fiddle making from mid-October. The Thursday class is already full, but I’ve just opened up sp
Catch me at folk festivals around the country this summer! Come try out my handmade violins & violas, ask repair/maintenance questions about yours, or borrow the Folk Who Roam community fiddle for a session. Looking forward to the conversation
When I hosted the @englishfiddleensemble recently for their album photoshoot, @kate.griffn very kindly took a few shots of me and my workshop. I love them! Thanks, Kate 📸
Last 5-string post for a bit - I promise 😉 I’ve published a post about some of the making process for this on my blog, which includes a longer video of @rowanpiggott playing a couple of tunes on it! (link in bio). #5string #violin #fiddle #v