If you appreciate fine craftsmanship, you’ll be interested to know that the Dutch School of Violin Making (NVS) in Makkum, located in the municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a month of special activities for music enthusiasts, string players, and anyone fascinated by the art of violin making. The main event? A daring challenge to build a violin in just four days – a feat that usually requires over 400 hours.
Two teams of six will take on this ambitious project from November 21 to 24, working through long days – and likely nights – to meet the deadline. “We have a detailed plan to keep everyone working as long as possible,” team leader Daan van der Wiel said in an interview with Omrop Fryslân. Some stages, like shaping the top plate, demand extreme precision and time. “It’ll probably turn into night work,” he added.
Since its founding, NVS has gained a reputation for producing violins with a distinct sound, finely tuned to meet musicians’ needs through adjustments like reshaping and adding wood. School owner Margo Konings explained that, unlike historical Stradivarius instruments, new violins can be customized for optimal sound quality – a process she considers the school’s specialty. “We create it, and then fine-tune it until it’s just right,” Konings said.
Violin-making instructor Rob Stemerding noted that crafting a violin is precision work, not to be rushed. “The wood varies, and each piece requires unique handling. But in the end, you have something truly beautiful,” he said.
Founded in 2004 by Dirk Jacob Hamoen, the Dutch School of Violin Making is one of the Netherlands’ few dedicated schools for crafting wooden string instruments, focusing primarily on violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. The school combines the foundations of Italian violin-making with evolving practical techniques, taught through hands-on, artisanal methods. NVS holds a prominent place among Dutch luthier schools, producing instruments recognized for their exceptional quality and distinct sound.
The anniversary festivities will also include concerts, demonstrations, and guided tours at the school.
