TESTIMONIALS

'I approached Robert Chew concerning him making me a viola. Robert used the critical playing dimensions of a viola that I already have (decent quality late 19th Century German) but used his own model. I found having a bespoke instrument made for my exact requirements really exciting.

Very unusually for an instrument maker, Robert is a player at the top level, and so can learn directly from his own making, giving him an intimate knowledge, almost an intuition, as to what will work best.

Having been consulted on the colour of the instrument (another benefit of having an instrument made for oneself), it was handed over to me. My expectations were greatly exceeded. Everything about the instrument is superb. It has a lively and rich sound, and is also easy to play. Everyone who has heard it has been amazed. Compared to the instrument whose dimensions it shares, well, there is no comparison. It is so superior it made me laugh out loud when I tried them out together. Furthermore it looks beautiful, a real piece of art; delicate and fine. I have a real pride of ownership with it.'

Stephen Dudley, OROH

'I have known Robert for a few years now and have been interested in his making, visiting the workshop on occasion and seeing the instruments taking shape. I am a teacher and performer; in my role as teacher I am always struggling to find affordable violas that have an open, honest sound, are not too big, are not too heavy and bring out the very best in my advanced students.

It has been an immense joy, therefore, to pick up one of Robert’s violas and instantly fall in love with it. That perfect combination of look, feel and sound that is so individual to each of us, but holds much commonality for many. In this viola I have found a lovely rich, yellow varnish, beautiful detailing and it is the easiest instrument I have played since Roger Best got fed up with me as a student and gave me his Amati for a few hours.

What is equally striking is the consistency of Robert’s making. Whilst he makes instruments on different models and in different colours, each I have seen and those that I have tried have been real gems. How rare for an instrument maker to be a top flight performer as well - perhaps it is this that makes the difference?'

Dale Chambers, Head of Strings - Royal Grammar School, Guildford