Testimonials
“I’m a great admirer of Chris Tayler’s violas. Chris has looked after my Brothers Amati viola (circa 1610) for the past 20 years, and his set-up improved the sound beyond all expectation.
He started using my Amati as a model for his own instruments, and I was struck by how similar to the Amati they felt to play, not just in the obvious sense of size and shape, but in the quality and feel of certain notes and in the warmth and personality of the sound. I immediately bought a Tayler viola. I can honestly say that I enjoy playing it almost as much as my Amati. I have played my Tayler in concerts alongside players with fine instruments, both old and new, and it is always admired. I have heard at least five copies. Each is unique, with its own character, but they are without exception superb instruments with a big, characterful and flexible tone, both soloistic and offering the capacity for nuance and refinement that chamber music calls for.
Chris has an exceptional, possibly unique grasp of the science of instrument making, rooted in his background specialising in acoustics and vibration. He has an equally strong intuitive feel and love for the art of instrument making. He is a gifted amateur player himself, which gives him a first-hand rapport with the sound, feel and refinement of the instruments he makes.
He has recently developed a new model, incorporating his further insights into the architecture of the viola. It is superb - like an exceptional vintage of the same fine wine. I have commissioned one!”
— Robin Ireland: violist of the Lindsay String Quartet; Guest Principal Viola, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra; Ex-Head of Viola Studies, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
“The wealth of knowledge that Chris Tayler brings to his instrument making is remarkable. When I first met Chris over 20 years ago, I was struck by his ability to speak in detail on subjects spanning science, engineering, history, architecture and the arts, to name but a few.
His overriding passion for lutherie, however, has taken him on a voyage of discovery over the last decades, during which he is constantly distilling the essence of his findings.
Driven by a deep admiration for the old masters of his trade, he combines technical expertise with aesthetic sensibility. These skills were demonstrated in his beautiful conversion of my modern viola to a baroque set-up, which attracted much positive feedback. He really understands the special qualities and requirements of the viola.
Thanks, too, to his calm manner and good listening skills, not to mention his own extensive playing experience, anyone considering a commission is in good hands with Chris.”
— Stella Mahrenholz: Violist of the Basel String Quartet; Viola Soloist with John Elliot Gardiner; Guest Principal viola with the Basel Chamber Orchestra and Bachakademie Stuttgart
I found it to be responsive and immediate......it played easily under natural arm weight and was equally happy being played with a lighter touch. Under two quite differently weighted bows I found an ease of legato and a range of colour that made this a joy to play.”
— Gary Pomeroy: Violist of the Heath String Quartet; Viola tutor and Chamber Music coach at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
“Chris Tayler’s viola has a real ringing, warm and glowing tenor register. I managed to get plenty of overtones out of the instrument with minimal effort right away.