No discussion about the creation of a new violin, viola or cello would be complete without some discussion of the varnish. Few subjects have been so surrounded by mystery, myth and mystique. After many years of research and development, using ancient recipes and historically available materials, Mr. Rabut has formulated a varnish that recreates the qualities of the true clasical Italian varnish. This varnish has the remarkable optical properties to impart a vibrant glow to the wood, and the acoustical structure to enhance the instrument's natural voice.

Models, Sound, Choices…..

“I want an instrument that plays like butter and sounds like a million bucks.” A reasonable request and just the kind of challenge Guy Rabut welcomes. Classical design concepts integrated with creative dynamic thinking put the violin maker and the musician on the path to achieving this lofty goal. Often classical models are modified or adjusted to facilitate ease of playing and to accommodate the unique personal vision that Mr. Rabut brings to his craft.

“I work with a variety of models in all the instruments that I make, mostly based directly on the proven classical models of the great masters of the golden age of violin making. With the benefit of hindsight I can often make adjustments and continue the tradition of refining these models for the requirements of today’s musicians. Completely new models can also be designed respecting the classical proportions and design techniques to accommodate special size needs and tonal preference.”

Violins
Stradivari: The Stradivari model is a true classic in violin design. Violins built on this model are well balanced and warm with a lyrical singing voice.

Guarneri del Gesu: The other classic in violin design, the Guarneri model lends a certain athletic quality to the sound that will carry to the back of the largest concert hall.

Violas
Cremonese: The viola models of the great Cremonese makers, Andrea Guarneri and the Amati family, are renowned for their excellent solo qualities with the power to support the important inner voice of the viola range. Violas built on these models will reflect these characteristics.

Brescian: The violas of the Brescian makers, Gasparo da Salo and Magginni, have always been prized for their deep rich voice at the darker end of the viola spectrum. In order to celebrate these great qualities, and meet the needs of today’s violist for a comfortable viola, I have created a series of models that are extremely easy to play and yet retain the characteristic Brescian voice.

Cellos
Cremonese: The models I have chosen from the Cremonese school are Stradivari, the Guarneri family, Amati and Ruggieri. Stradivari and Guarneri represent the tenor voice in the cello world. With a powerful ‘A’ string and a rich, focused sound, they will deliver each note with clarity and precision. The Amati and Ruggieri models have more of the darkness that we expect from the Venetian makers. The Ruggieri model has the special advantage of being slightly smaller than normal. This is the perfect choice for the smaller cellist.

Venetian: The other School of making which has produced some of the greatest sounding cellos is the Venetian school. The two main exponents of that school are Montagnana and Goffriller. The cellos I build on these models have the deep, dark Venetian voice that many cellists are seeking.

Special projects
From time to time I am commissioned to create a special instrument. This may be a copy of a particular instrument or something entirely new, as in the case of the Black Violin Project. When making a copy, I strive to create an instrument which will feel as similar as possible to the original and also have a voice which relates to the original. The new projects are generated either from my design archive or a particular design requested by a client.