My instruments are expertly crafted to meet the needs of musicians. Providing exceptional sound, comfort, and durability, whether you're performing in a session or on stage
Please get in touch if you would like to arrange an instrument trial.
Handmade Instruments
5-String Violin
Emma Hardy, 2025
£5,800
“The most playable 5-string I’ve ever come across! Gorgeous balance and tone” – Rowan Piggott, D’addario Artist
This 5-string violin is my own design, built with comfort and balanced sound in mind. It plays smoothly, with a nice, even tone across all the strings — and the low C has a warm, resonant quality that really fills out the sound.
It’s got the same string length as a standard violin, so it feels familiar under the fingers, but I’ve widened the lower bout a bit and made the ribs deeper to give it more air volume — which helps the C string really sing. The scroll is hollow, too, which keeps the weight down and makes it easier on the shoulders during long sessions.
If you’re looking for a 5-string that feels natural to play and sounds full across the whole range, this one’s made for you.
It comes fitted with geared pegs for easy tuning, and a set of high quality professional grade strings.
This instrument comes with a certificate of authenticity and the option of a free service at six months, in order to carry out any tonal adjustments to your liking as the instrument matures.
This violin is made from European Maple, responsibly sourced from established suppliers in Bavaria.
Bergonzi “Knoop” Model
Emma Hardy, 2023/4
£4,000
This violin is made from European Maple, responsibly sourced from established suppliers in Bavaria.
It is based on the Bergonzi ‘Knoop’, which it a slightly petite model producing a well rounded and warm tone. It boasts a particularly beautiful resonance on the lower strings.
This instrument has a hard wearing varnish, which is naturally resistant to moisture and so perfect for playing in humid environments. It has an additional waterproof wax coating applied, to keep it safe from accidental spills.
This instrument comes with a certificate of authenticity and the option of a free service at six months, in order to carry out any tonal adjustments to your liking as the instrument matures.
Westhope Viola | 15 3/8”
Emma Hardy, Julian Pindar & William Bates, 2024
£5,500
This viola was made as a collaborative project between Emma Hardy, Julian Pindar and William Bates at a British Violin Making Association event in the beautiful countryside at Westhope in Shropshire.
The model is loosely based on a Joseph Filius Andrea Guarneri. We allowed ourselves creative freedom to respond to the wood and outline throughout the process. The result is a characterful instrument in both aesthetic and tone. We like to say that it was made in the spirit of Guarneri, rather than it being a copy of his.
This instrument has a hard wearing varnish, which is naturally resistant to moisture and so perfect for playing in humid environments. It has an additional waterproof wax coating applied, to keep it safe from accidental spills.
Its shorter body and neck length make this the ideal size viola for musicians frequently switching between violin and viola, or those who find the scale length on larger violas challenging.
This viola comes with a certificate of authenticity and the option of a free service at six months, in order to carry out any tonal adjustments to your liking as the instrument matures.
Cornerless Violin
Emma Hardy, 2024
£3,500 Sold
This violin is my own model. The shape is inspired by early English da Gambas, and the scroll has been hollowed out and stylised to compliment the unusual body.
It is made from European maple and spruce, responsibly sourced from trustworthy suppliers in Bavaria.
This instrument has a hard wearing varnish, which is naturally resistant to moisture and so perfect for playing in humid environments. It has an additional waterproof wax coating applied, to keep it safe from accidental spills.
This violin has been sold, but get in touch to discuss commissioning a similar instrument.
Ash Back Violin, Bergonzi “Knoop” Model
Emma Hardy, 2024
£4,000 Sold
The back, ribs and neck of this violin are made from ash.
With an estimated 80% of ash trees in the UK expected to perish due to Ash dieback disease, I felt compelled to raise awareness of this issue.
I visited my local timber yard and inquired about any ash wood sourced from the preventative felling taking place in my area. They had some that had been felled in North Yorkshire, and so my aim became to give this wood a second life through music.
This violin has been sold, but get in touch to discuss commissioning a similar instrument.
Archinto Viola
Emma Hardy 2023 | 16 and 1/4"
£7,500.00 Sold
Beautiful one-piece back viola based on the Stradivari ‘Archinto’ model. High quality tonewood and ebony fittings.
Set up suitable for a professional level musician, with a delicate neck shape, comfortable action and Larsen strings.
This viola has a sweet tone which would blend particularly well for ensemble playing.
This viola has been sold, but get in touch to discuss commissioning a similar instrument.
Antique
Instruments
Antique Violin, Workshop of Alfred Knüpfer + Bow
£1,750
This violin appears to have been made in the workshop of Albert Knüpfer, Wernitzgrün, Early 20th century. It is based on a Stradivari model with an attractive tightly flamed two-piece back.
This talented maker worked for a number of important makers including A.Wunderlich, E.Reinhold Schmidt and H.Glass before setting up in his own shop in 1904.
It would suit players looking to upgrade from a modern factory made instrument for something a little more special and with more depth of sound.
This violin is sold in good condition, having been given a new set up very recently.
The bow provided with it is unlabelled, but in good condition.
Key Features
Handmade violin with modern set up
Sold with new set of strings
Bow and case included
To view or arrange a trial of this violin, please get in touch.