About
Prior to training as a Luthier, Chris Tayler read for a degree in Engineering. He subsequently did postgraduate research into acoustics and vibration at Southampton University Institute of Sound and Vibration, where his work was sponsored by NASA.
Not surprisingly, this informed his work as a Luthier, giving him a unique insight into the physics and acoustics of sound production. He has brought the fruits of this to bear on both his restoration of fine old instruments (such as Gofriller, Amati, Carcassi, Panormo, Pallotta, etc), and also to the making of new instruments, notably violas, which he has made his special study.
He has been fascinated for many years by the particular challenges presented by the viola as an instrument, in that its size can preclude the tonal depth which is desirable.
However, his academic research has led him to make various adjustments to the construction of the viola, which have been highly rewarding.
Chris has made a variety of models over the years, but now concentrates on two designs which he has found particularly rewarding: An Amati model and a Castello model. With intuition and sensitivity to tone colour together with the principles of his earlier academic work, he has refined the construction of these violas, exceeding anything he previously thought possible. See the Viola Models page for an in-depth description….
All the viola models Chris makes share certain physical characteristics which profoundly affect the ease of playing the instrument. This includes: the neck being narrow enough to be comfortable, giving ease when moving into the higher positions; the head and scroll being lightweight enough so that the viola does not feel heavy in the arms; and the wood being very well seasoned so that the overall weight of the instrument is lessened without compromising on the thickness of the body of the viola. Chris prefers to use Italian poplar rather than maple for the back of his violas; as an acoustician he believes that maple has more treble characteristics in the profile of partials and sub-partials it produces than poplar, which has alto and tenor characteristics. Hence he believes maple is possibly more suitable for violins. Additionally, Italian poplar has different characteristics to English poplar, the latter being slightly too soft, in Chris’ opinion. Stradivarius (and many other celebrated makers) used Italian poplar for their cellos for these reasons.
Chris normally holds examples of various models in stock and people are most welcome to come to try them. He is happy to accept commissions, discussing fully the requirements of the purchaser. He remains fascinated by the care and restoration of violins, violas and cellos, with a special interest in optimising sound quality. He is based in West Sussex, easily accessible from London by train.
