Atelier Gentbrugge · Handcrafted

Handcrafted Stringed InstrumentsMade to Your Measure

Violins · Violas · Cellos — each one a singular creation, built to the musician's vision in the living tradition of Cremona.

The Craft

Every instrument begins as a dialogue between maker and musician

Every instrument I make is handcrafted using the finest materials. The purfling, varnish and pigments I use are also homemade, based on carefully researched formulas. I spend considerable time designing the model of each instrument using the traditional methods of the 17th and 18th century Cremonese school, tuning and analysing every part according to the latest research and standards.

I specialise in custom-made violins, violas and cellos. The process begins with an in-depth conversation: we discuss the model, the desired tonal characteristics, the neck profile, string length, varnish colour, and any personal preferences that will make this instrument uniquely yours.

The wood — aged spruce for the top, maple for the back, ribs and scroll — is selected with the same care as a surgeon chooses instruments. Each piece is assessed for its acoustic properties before a single shaving is taken. The result is an instrument that breathes with you.

Materials & Methods

  • Aged European spruce (Picea abies) top plates
  • Figured Bosnian or European maple for back & ribs
  • Homemade oil varnish with historical pigment formulas
  • Hand-cut purfling — no factory strips
  • Traditional hide glue throughout
  • Set-up with Dominant, Evah Pirazzi or tailored string choice
  • Bow force & bridge geometry calibrated acoustically

Instruments

The family of stringed instruments

Handcrafted violin by Pieter Goossens — Cremonese tradition, Ghent Belgium

Violin

Il violino

The soprano voice of the string family. Pieter's violins are modelled on the great Cremonese masters — Stradivari, Guarneri, Amati — adapted to the individual musician's arm length, bow arm and tonal vision. Ranging from a brilliant projecting sound to a darker, more intimate character.

  • Body length: 356 mm (standard)
  • Available in full, 7/8 and smaller
  • Models: Stradivari, Guarneri, Amati
Aged spruce tonewood for viola — finest materials by Pieter Goossens

Viola

La viola

The most personal of the string instruments, the viola requires deep customisation. Pieter works closely with each violist to find the ideal body length, upper bout width and string length — balancing ergonomic comfort with the full, reedy tone that defines the instrument.

  • Body lengths: 15″–17″ (bespoke)
  • Ergonomic neck profile fitted to player
  • Models: Tertis, Montagnana, custom
Handcrafted cello by Pieter Goossens — bridge fitting, Ghent Belgium

Cello

Il violoncello

Powerful yet intimate, the cello demands the finest tonewoods and the most careful acoustic calibration. Each cello is built using plate tuning techniques derived from both classical tradition and contemporary acoustic research, resulting in instruments of exceptional resonance and projection.

  • Full size 4/4 (bespoke on request)
  • Carefully graduated plates
  • Models: Stradivari, Montagnana, Davidoff

What sets these instruments apart

The hallmarks of a Pieter Goossens instrument

Homemade purfling

Hand-cut and inlaid, never machine-made factory strips

Homemade varnish & pigments

Oil varnish based on historically researched Cremonese formulas

Cremonese models

17th–18th century masters: Stradivari, Guarneri, Amati, Montagnana

Acoustic analysis

Every plate tuned and analysed per the latest scientific research

Full customisation

Model, scroll, neck profile and varnish colour to the musician's wishes

Optimised set-up

Bridge, soundpost and string selection calibrated for each instrument

The making of an instrument

  1. 01

    Consultation

    In-depth discussion of model, dimensions, tonal goal and aesthetic preferences

  2. 02

    Wood selection

    Carefully chosen aged tonewoods assessed for acoustic and visual quality

  3. 03

    Carving & graduation

    Plates carved and graduated by hand; each tap-tone analysed

  4. 04

    Assembly & varnishing

    Assembled with hide glue; varnished in multiple layers of homemade oil varnish

  5. 05

    Set-up & adjustment

    Bridge cut, soundpost set, strings fitted and final adjustments made

  6. 06

    Handover

    Final meeting with the musician for personal adjustment and playing-in advice

Currently Available

Available instrument

Violin after the 'Titian' Stradivari 1715 — handcrafted by Pieter Goossens, golden amber varnish
Available

Violin · P-mould

The "Titian"

After Antonio Stradivari, 1715

This violin is modelled after one of Stradivari's finest instruments from his golden period — the celebrated "Titian" of 1715. Built on the P-mould, it offers a clear, brilliant tone with exceptional projection. Homemade golden-amber varnish with historical pigments.

  • Model: Stradivari 'Titian' 1715
  • Mould: P-mould
  • Top: Aged European spruce
  • Back: One-piece figured maple
  • Varnish: Homemade amber oil varnish
Contact for availability

Ready to commission your dream instrument?

The process begins with a single conversation. Reach out to discuss your vision — model, specifications, tonal preferences — and Pieter will guide you through every step.

Start the conversation