I’m extending my temporary divergence from interior design for an additional post, but this profile nicely complements my previous interview.  The last entry focused on a local Philadelphia bow maker and today’s post naturally centers on an equally talented and experienced violin maker.   Christopher Germain is located in center city and has been crafting violins, violas, and cellos for nearly 30 years.

I’ve shopped for tiles that cost $30 each, fabric that runs $130/yard, and $10k lounge chairs, but I’ve never been quite as nervous as I was standing next to a 400 year old violin in Christopher Germain’s shop.  It’s not because it’s very different from the five year old violin right next to it; in fact the two instruments are nearly identical.  With a few exceptions, the violin’s design was mostly established by the 16^th century, which is why these early artifacts are so venerable.

Christopher Germain stays true to the traditions of violin materials and construction.  Each curved piece of wood is hand carved and hand scraped (without sandpaper!) to produce the perfect finish for varnish, which is made from amber that Christopher personally melts at 700 degrees.  He commented that craftspeople interested in creative differentiation would be wise to select a craft other than violin making.  Collectors and musicians alike use the 400 year old precedents as arbiters of value.  

Conformity isn’t particularly valued in the interior design industry nor is it generally commended in American culture.  Although I realized that violin making calls for a respectful approach, which is only achieved with years of careful observation and dedication to traditional excellence.  Christopher Germain constantly improves and optimizes his processes and grows closer to what the masters achieved before him.

1625 Spruce Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

215.545.2500

www.germainviolins.com

KO Angotti is a Philadelphia interior design and energy audit company that patronizes local craftspeople whenever possible.