While the name “Stradivari” remains synonymous with the pinnacle of violin craftsmanship, the prestige of contemporary violin makers continues to grow as 21st-century luthiers produce remarkable instruments that performers praise for their sound quality and playability.
A common challenge for musicians is discovering where to find and test modern violins and bows, and identifying the leading makers of today. In response, several notable events this spring have showcased the work of contemporary instrument makers.
One such event is the Contemporary Violin Maker’s Exhibition and Concert, organized by Bay Fine Strings, a prominent violin shop in northern California. Scheduled for April 29 at Saint Joseph’s Arts Society in San Francisco, this event offers a comprehensive look at modern string instruments and bows.
The day begins with a free exhibition running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring dozens of new violins, violas, cellos, and bows. Attendees can try these instruments firsthand, as all are available for trial and purchase. Later, at 6:30 p.m., a concert will showcase musicians from the San Francisco Philharmonic performing on these freshly crafted instruments. Tickets for the concert are priced at $40.
The concert program includes Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, with twelve soloists rotating each movement to highlight different instruments, as well as Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings.
All instruments presented have been commissioned or curated by Bay Fine Strings and feature work by distinguished makers such as Paul Belin, Benoit Bonten, Youenn Bothorel, Yanbing Chen, Gabor Draskoczy, Tony Echavidre, Benedicte Friedmann, Michael Koberling, Louis Kupersmith, Antoine Nedelec, Jihwan Park, Frank Ravatin, Viateur Roy, Ryan Soltis, Anton Somers, Maurizio Tadioli, Lea Trombert, Andrea Varazzani, and David Leonard Wiedmer.
The bows on display come from esteemed craftsmen including Sylvain Bigot, Doriane Bodart, Noel Burke, Pascal Camurat, Emmanuel Carlier, Marie Chastagnol, Sebastian Dirr, Eric Gagne, Ronald Ji, Ulf Johansson, Yannick Lecanu, Robert Morrow, Yongmin Na, Gilles Nehr, Pierre Nehr, Jacques Poullot, Magdalena Sapeta, and Stephane Thomachot.
Price points for these instruments and bows range from approximately $8,000 to $75,000.
About the Organizer: Thomas Yee and Bay Fine Strings
The event is the vision of violinist, educator, and founder of Bay Fine Strings, Thomas Yee. His passion for fine instruments began in high school when a teacher introduced him to a Carlo Bergonzi violin, inspiring him to pursue the creation and appreciation of instruments with rich, projecting tones.
Raised in Santa Barbara by his mother after the early loss of his father, Yee’s journey into music started through involvement with the local youth symphony. Encouraged to take up the violin, he embarked on a career that combined performance, teaching, and later, instrument dealing.
Yee began teaching in his mid-teens and continues to do so, emphasizing that ongoing learning and problem-solving are central to growth as a musician and educator.
Founded in 2016 with support from his brother-in-law, a graphic designer who helped develop the brand’s identity, Bay Fine Strings started as a modest rental service offering early 20th-century instruments. Today, it operates with a commitment to providing carefully selected instruments and accessories tailored to the needs of each musician.
An Innovative Exhibition Concept
The idea to host an interactive exhibition showcasing instruments that are also used in a live concert was inspired by Yee’s experiences attending diverse cultural events. Leveraging a global network of musicians and makers, Yee commissioned an entire chamber orchestra’s worth of instruments specifically for this event. Each performer uses a contemporary instrument and bow from the exhibition for the concert performance.
Evaluating Modern Instruments
Yee evaluates instruments based on four principal criteria: projection, responsiveness, tonal variation, and timbre. While an instrument’s visual construction, wood quality, and model offer some indications about its potential, Yee asserts that hands-on playing reveals the most essential information.
He notes that musicians at different levels have varied needs. For beginners, an instrument with proper measurements and balanced tone is paramount, whereas advanced players seek instruments offering a broader spectrum of sound nuances and responses. Given that tone perception is subjective and influenced by environment, musicians should strive to find the best instrument within their budget.
Regarding modern instruments compared to older ones, Yee maintains a balanced perspective, emphasizing that sound is a combination of factors including player skill, instrument quality and setup, bow characteristics, and acoustics. He points out that many contemporary instruments benefit from high-quality materials and precise setup, and although older instruments can be valuable, factors like condition and stability affect their overall value.
Additional Information
For those interested in attending or learning more about the Contemporary Violin Maker’s Exhibition and Concert in San Francisco, further details are available on Bay Fine Strings’ website.
This event offers a remarkable opportunity for musicians and enthusiasts to experience the offerings of today’s leading violin makers and bow makers firsthand, highlighting the vibrant present-day tradition of string instrument craftsmanship.
— The Violin Post Editorial Staff
