Theodore F. Skreko violin, Strad model, Indianapolis, 2024 | Metzler Violins

[Further details forthcoming]

About the Instrument

This violin's single-piece back has a tight medium curl with beautiful antiquing in reference to the inspiration for this instrument: a “G” form Stradivarius. The flames, brought out by the amber varnish, run along the violin’s ribs, neck, and scroll.

About the Maker

Theodore F. Skreko (1981- ) was born in Indianopolis, Indiana. The contemporary American instrument maker had his first apprenticeship began at age 14 with Indianapolis luthier Kalon Watkins. Skreko worked for two other violin shops before being accepted into the Violin Making School of America in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he spent four years studying under Charles Woolf as well as instrument restoration with Boyd Paulson and bow making with Michael Vann. Upon graduation in 2003, Skreko and fellow classmate Chris Ulbricht started Indianapolis Violins in Skreko’s hometown, focusing on repairs and restoration. After 16 years, Skreko opened a shop focused solely on instrument making. He works with his wife Sofia Vettori in their home studio, where they both build violins, violas, and cellos. Since 2008, he has regularly attended the Oberlin Violin Makers workshop.

Skreko’s crafting process is strongly influenced by Italian tradition built with modern performance in mind, often modeled after late period Guarneri del Gesù, “G” form Stradivari, and Santo Serafin. His violas are inspired by Gasparo da Salò and the Guarneri family, with cellos inspired by the finest Venetian and Cremonese makers such as Montagnana and Stradivarius. Skreko has also cultivated a highly successful personal model, which was awarded a special prize at the 2012 Art of Sound International Competition. His instruments have also received several awards at the Violin Society of America violin making competitions. Skreko’s pieces are highly prized by musicians for their powerful and accessible sound, excellent playability and feel, and their lovely antiqued patinas.