Handmade Violins, Violas and Cellos by Todd Goldenberg

A master luthier based in New England, Todd Goldenberg produces extraordinary violins, violas and cellos that are highly sought after for their beauty and exquisite tone. Using the finest materials, including European woods seasoned in his workshop and his personally formulated varnishes, Todd lavishes the highest level of carftsmanship and art on each instrument.

Creating one instrument at a time, Goldenberg begins with the finest materials, including hand-selected, seasoned wood from Germany. But the most valuable ingredient in his handmade instruments is the time he devotes to each step in every instrument.

Musicians understand that a handmade instrument by an experienced luthier is much better in all aspects than a factory made one. A Todd Goldenberg instrument is an investment backed by decades of experience and knowledge in the science and acoustics of violins, violas and cellos. Todd Goldenberg violins, violas and cellos are in the hands of musicians at every level - from professional orchestra members to teachers and students - across the country.

  • The Form

    Every violin, viola and cello hand built in my workshop begins with a form shaped by history's finest instrument makers: Stradivari and the Amati family. History and experience tell us that these instrument makers' forms fuse exquisite beauty with unsurpassed tone. My instrument plans use the patterns from the Stradivari for violin, cello and many violas. I also use the Amati family outlines for some violas.

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  • The Materials

    After many years of instrument building, I have come to prefer woods from European sources. In particular, European maple offers many special qualities that contribute to the form and tone of violin, viola or cello. After seasoning in my wood loft, European maple lends itself to fine instrument making. Just as importantly, it responds to my varnish to create the unique look and tone of each instrument.

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  • The Process

    By crafting only one instrument at a time, each violin, viola or cello flows from a single, uninterrupted creative process. Because every hand-made instrument is unique, instrument making requires disciplined focus and intensity to develop the finest tone and form. 

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