Martin McClean
violin maker

• about martin
• concert instruments
  • gallery
  • models
  • method
  • varnish
  • wood
  • cremonese violins
  • geary baese
• commissioning
  • commissioning an instrument
  • ordering & pricing
• testimonials
  • links
• contact

Testimonials

"…a beautifully made [viola], pleasing to the eye and very player-friendly. The sound was extremely even and impressive with an obvious depth of character which invited exploration. All in all, I have no reservation in
highly recommending Mr.McClean's work."
Paul Cassidy. Violist, Brodsky quartet

“After playing for many years on a fine 18th century German instrument I tried one of Martin's violins. I am not normally an impulsive person, but I knew I’d found a real gem and brought it straight away. My playing felt instantly easier all across the range – it has great tonal projection and yet amazingly still has all the subtle qualities and depth of a much older instrument. Since then, for the first time I’ve been 100% happy with my
violin. It’s a terrific instrument for just about everything - chamber music, recording sessions, teaching, orchestral work and even playing the odd concerto. Several colleagues have tried it and expressed surprise that a modern instrument can sound so rich.”
Vaughan Jones, Manor House String Quartet

Buy a recording of one of Martin's violins

Download an MP3 recording of a recording using one of Martin's violins

"In my job, I don't have time to worry if a note is going to sound or not. Martin's viola is great - a big sound, even-toned across the range, and it speaks instantly. Buy one - they work!"
Richard Guthrie. Violist, Ulster Orchestra

"The joy of a violin that plays effortlessly, with evenness throughout the range, an immediate response sensitive to every nuance and with purity and sweetness of tone - I cannot go back to my 18th century instrument."
Shelagh McLeod. Professional violinist

"As a London freelance player I first played on Martin's violin, and immediately fell in love with the rich tone. The instrument has an immediate and responsive sound, with a good quality of timbre in the high registers. It has a pleasing resonance and consistancy of tone, with an absence of any harsh or nasal sounds. The harmonics are pure and overall the violin has a good tonal character. It is a delight to play and I can't put it down for long."
Diana Mitchell

"I have been dealing with Martin McClean now for a number of years. The service he offers is both professional and accomodating. His workmanship is of exceptionally high quality and I would have no hesitation in recommending him to fellow musicians and students".
Joan Hutchman, Cello teacher

A few links to discussions and comments of interest:

http://www.violinist.com/discussion/response.cfm?ID=16697

http://www.violinist.com/discussion/response.cfm?ID=11065