What is your first field of expertise?
The making of lute instruments and violins. I am also involved in the restoration of historical instruments. The most important ones I have restored are the tambouras (ancestor of the bouzouki) of General Makriyannis (1834) and recently the oldest tambouras of Fotos Tzavellas (1790).
How do you relate to tradition and innovation?
I believe that tradition is the basis of instrument making. Many of the techniques I apply are traditional and I prefer to work more "by hand" than with modern tools and materials. In my contemporary models, I try to express a more personal vision, both for the aesthetics and for the sound effects.
©Esperos Fronimopoulos
When is a memorable moment from your professional life?
Just a couple of weeks ago, after more than 200 years, in the great hall of the Old Parliament where the Historical Museum is located, the tambouras of Fotos Tzavellas, which I had restored, were played.
What is less known about your craft?
In modern lutherie most instruments are standardised and are a product of assembly, with many parts made by other specialist workshops. In artistic instrument making, all parts are original, designed and made by the maker; the end result is unique, it reflects the personal aesthetic and sound vision of the maker.