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

  • "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

  • 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 Evening Classes

Ever fancied making your own violin or fiddle? Join us for a relaxed, hands-on evening class where you’ll learn to make your own violin in a friendly workshop setting.

Upcoming Events

I’ll have a stall at the following events – come say hello, see the Folk Who Roam fiddle, try other recently made violins & violas, or get free advice about your instrument

Warwick Folk Festival

24th–27th July

Shrewsbury Folk Festival

21st–24th August

Folk East

15th-17th August

Sidmouth Folk Festival

1st–8th August

Bromyard Folk Festival

13–14th September

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

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
I’m pleased to be returning to the Sheffield Folk Sessions festival this year, offering free instrument health checks and showcasing some unique handmade instruments - including the @folkwhoroam community fiddle. Pop by and say hi at Shakespear
The latest edition of BVMA Quarterly is at the printer! This issue offers insights for makers at all stages of their careers, from practical business advice to historical perspectives. In this edition: - Barbara Gschaider shares practical advice on
Ever since I first heard @rosiehoodfolk ‘s beautiful song about Lyddie Shears—the tale of a shapeshifting witch who dances across the downs as a hare, only to be struck down by a silver bullet—I’ve wanted to craft an instrumen
What does the ancient philosophy of Alchemy have in common with violin making? I get a little woo-woo and explore some unexpected parallels in my latest substack article - link in bio. #violinmaking #violin #fiddle #fiddlemaking #folkmusic #classic
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