I would like to extend my sincere thanks for the violin you have crafted, which I recently had the privilege of receiving. From the very first moment I played it, I could feel that it is an exceptional instrument, both in its sound and its craftsmanship.

The violin offers a beautiful depth of tone and a remarkably balanced sound across all registers. Its rich tonal palette allows me to express subtle musical nuances, making playing it a truly rewarding experience. The instrument feels so responsive that every note comes to life naturally, with clarity and precision.

Its visual elegance is equally impressive – the finish is impeccable, and every detail reflects the dedication and artistry you put into its creation. It is an instrument that not only sounds extraordinary but also stands out as a piece of art.

I am looking forward to performing on this violin at an upcoming recital, and I am confident that its exceptional sound will captivate the audience.

Thank you for your craftsmanship

Best regards,

Mateusz Makuch 

             

               

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Violin labelled: Limited Edition No.6

Crafted in 2024, this violin has a beautifully sweet, clear tone that resonates with warmth and richness, making it a strong, projecting instrument. The lower strings have a warm, full-bodied sound that maintains clarity and power, while the higher strings deliver a bold, powerful tone—a distinctive quality found in many of the recent instruments.

The violin offers a wide range of tonal colours, with impressive dynamic range that will likely deepen over time, unlocking even more expressive possibilities. Visually, the instrument is finished with a lovely amber varnish that gives it a clean, elegant look.

This instrument responds exceptionally well, maintaining clarity even when challenged with a variety of techniques. It handles sustained bow strokes beautifully, with a strong, clear voice, while also excelling in more articulated strokes like spiccato and sautillé. I also noticed minimal bow noise, a welcome quality that some modern violins struggle with.

This violin is well-suited for emerging professional musicians, and I find it particularly ideal for chamber music. Its sweet, easy response makes it a pleasure to play.

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VIOLA  15 inch – Limited Edition No. 19

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I was deeply honoured to commission a viola when the opportunity arose. Having followed his violinmaking journey from the inception of his “Limited Edition” series, I’ve witnessed the evolution of his craft from Label No. 1 through to the present—now well into the twenties. This viola, No. 19, represents a particularly compelling chapter in that progression.

The instrument draws heavily on the techniques and craftsmanship refined during the making of Violin No. 16. It features a contemporary yet nostalgic varnish, returning to a rich chocolate hue with warm amber undertones. Multiple coats create a smooth satin sheen that feels both modern and timeless. Its tone mirrors its appearance: elegant, complex, and quietly confident.

Despite its compact 15inch body, the viola is built with slightly taller and thicker ribs, giving it a tonal breadth far beyond what its size might suggest. The projection is generous, the lower register resonant and full, and the upper register carries with a clear, sonorous quality that maintains strength across all strings. Paul’s instruments have always excelled in the lower frequencies; in earlier years, the upper register occasionally lacked the same lustre. With this viola—and with his more recent violins—every string now speaks with equal authority, each offering its own distinct colour and character.

Fitted with a Pahlerstamped soundpost and a Despiau bridge, the viola transmits vibration with remarkable immediacy. The physical feedback into both hands is so clear that the player instinctively understands how the instrument will respond. Strung with a full set of Pirastro Perpetuals, the viola offers excellent clarity and projection without sacrificing warmth or timbre. A combination such as Spirocore C and G with a Perpetual D and Evah Pirazzi Gold A could further enhance brilliance and depth; for additional warmth, Larsen upper strings would be a natural alternative. At present, the only refinements I still yearn for lie in the finer details in setups—though his choices reflect his own tonal vision, and I find myself agreeing with that palette often.

As a predominantly violin focused player, I’ve always been fascinated by the response and reaction time of the viola. That slight additional moment before the sound blooms can create extraordinary expressive possibilities. Much like an artist lingering over a colour choice, that extra fraction of a second invites a different kind of musical imagination—one that draws deeply from the rich viola repertoire.

Many professionals in the Melbourne scene gravitate toward his work; I know several colleagues who own multiple examples, and his instruments and bows are becoming increasingly prominent among performers and educators alike.