Hugh Withycombe "Khione" violin, Canberra, Australia, 2024 | Metzler Violins

bold, commanding, responsive

About the Instrument
This violin model beautifully blends classical inspiration with modern playability, with a bold sound that sizzles. Crafted from traditional tonewoods—figured Bosnian maple and northern Italian spruce—it offers both warmth and clarity of tone. The custom synthetic fingerboard by Corene provides exceptional stability and precision. While set up for a soloist, the instrument can be readily adjusted to suit a variety of playing styles and performance needs. The quarter-cut maple back is a single piece, with narrow flames listing up from the treble side. The ribs neck and scroll are of the same wood, with an auburn varnish over a golden ground bringing out the tiger figure. This instrument is thoughtfully antiqued by its maker to honor its inspiration from the 18th century Italian masters. Named "Khione" (“snow” in Greek), this violin features locating pins made from Australian Snow Gum, a fitting detail for an instrument built during a cold, snowy winter. This instrument is sold with the maker's certificate of authenticity.

Interior label reads: “Hugh Withycombe / Made in Canberra 2024”
Length: 355 mm
Upper Bouts: 165 mm
Middle: 114 mm
Lower Bouts: 206 mm

About the Maker
Hugh Withycombe (1971- ) is a contemporary luthier born in Carnberra, Austrialia. While Withycombe began playing cello as a child, he initially had a career as a public servant in the Australian government, focusing on climate change. At 26, Withycombe shifted his energy to crafting instruments, moving to England to earn a degree at the Newark International School of Violin Making. After completing his schooling, for two years, Withycombe was honed his craft at London ateliers. He worked at Florian Leonhard Fine Violins, followed by Frederick Phelps Violins Ltd., also teaching at Juliet Barker’s luthier workshops in Cambridge and becoming a member of the British Violin Making Association. In 2003, Withycombe returned to Canberra, setting up shop at the Gorman House Arts Centre for over twenty years before opening his independent workshop. Withycombe has participated in the Oberlin Violin Makers Workshop since 2008, acting as a part of its faculty since 2015, and is the President of the Australian Violin Makers Association. 

https://hughwithycombe.com