Testomonials

I have been taking my Ventapane to Adam for the last few years and value so much his skilled, thoughtful and dedicated approach to setting up and maintaining the cello. He has a great ear, goes into a lot of detail and takes time to listen, to make the cello sounds it’s best over the whole instrument, and exactly as I would like it.

Adam made and fitted a new bridge last year which I am enormously happy with, and took great care to ensure the cello was set up to its full potential.

I found working with Adam to be very supportive, goal-oriented, and exceptionally effective. Due to his extensive expertise in the field of old Italian instruments, I approached him to improve certain tonal aspects of my 1700 Italian cello. Adam's multifaceted and thorough analysis of the current state of the instrument culminated in a detailed plan that encompassed both fundamental restoration work and direct measures to enhance the sound. Throughout the process of working on the open instrument, Adam consistently maintained contact, informing me of newly acquired insights and potential additional improvements that only became apparent at this stage. He also kept me updated on ideas he had gathered through his exchanges with fellow violin makers. Thanks to Adam's well-conceived overall approach and the superb craftsmanship of his work, my instrument has gained significantly in stability and has since developed an unprecedented tonal projection.

Adam's approach is characterized by a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted aspects of instrument vibration. His ability to constantly question assumptions and approach problems with a kind of "out-of-the-box" thinking led to a fantastic result in my case.

The final tonal fine-tuning with Adam was extremely pleasant. His highly sensitive perception, calm and constructive communication, and structured approach make tonal adjustments with him very easy and, in the best sense, aligned with the player's desired sound. Furthermore, every single adjustment to my instrument testifies to Adam's exceptional craftsmanship.

I can wholeheartedly recommend Adam as a violin maker for any kind of problem or project.

I’ve been playing violin for almost 30 years, 20 of those professionally. Adam does excellent work, is a safe pair of hands and I couldn’t recommend him highly enough

I would thoroughly recommend Adam. He listened carefully and thoughtfully to my concerns. I am so pleased with the results. My cello sounds wonderful!

Adam did a fantastic job on my broken f hole wing, so good in fact I really struggle to see the join! Clearly, he had spent a lot of time and care reattaching it. I will definitely go straight to Adam for any future fixes or general servicing.

Adam is meticulous with everything he does and generous in sharing his knowledge. I am always happy when I leave knowing that my violin has had

the best treatment possible.

I’ve been taking my cello to Adam for a number of years now, during which time he has played a vital part in keeping my instrument in top working order. Adam made a beautiful French bridge for my Italian cello in 2022, and also set up my second instrument with a new bridge and sound post. He has also carried out smaller jobs such as varnish retouching, gluing up seams and reshooting the fingerboard. As well as this he has performed various tonal adjustments on my instrument, which have always made a great difference to the sound quality and projection. Adam’s knowledge, skill and dedication are evident in his craftsmanship and scrupulous attention to detail. He is a pleasure to work with, and I always feel my instrument is in the safest of hands when I leave it with him. I would warmly recommend his services to other string players.

I absolutely love my violin made by Adam and Melina. It is beautiful, unique and has such a depth and range of sound. Both commanding but easily blending in ensembles. It has been brilliantly versatile in my career in the West End, as an orchestral musician and in chamber music.  Adam has been incredibly attentive both when I was trying the violin and after I bought it, continuing to tweak and perfect the instrument to suit me and my playing.