When did you start work in this profession?
I have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the Latvian Academy of Music. In 1996, I started studying violin making with a master, Zigurds Elsbergs. I also started to read relevant literature. In 1997, I began to repair instruments and do restoration work. In 2007, I built my first violin.
How would you define what you do?
Based on classical principles, I build new musical instruments. I explore more and more diversified timbres and tone colours in sound, introducing small innovations in the design of instruments: different soundboard curvatures, thickness, tuning, etc.
© Ingars Rancevičs
How do tradition and innovation come together in your work?
Classical contours, shapes and dimensions are combined with various experiments in the field of acoustics, such as tuning the soundboard of a violin to result in more modern sounds. Innovation also comes in the appearance of the instruments, their varnish colour and originality.
What techniques have you mastered?
I can build violins and other stringed instruments from A to Z. I have mastered not only woodworking by hand, but also using CNC cutters and 3D modelling, which gives me greater opportunities to fulfil original commissions. Other specialisations include tuning techniques and acoustic adjustments.