The partnership of Louise and Tony Padday was literally formed at the workbench at the Violin making School at Newark where they met. Since graduating in 1984, they have continually refined the character of their instruments, each subtly different, yet each an integration of design and material.
The choice of superior materials is the first essential and the selection of wood for each instrument is governed by the tonal quality needed by the player, and the overall envisaged design. The Paddays prefer to construct from one-piece backs and the fine Maple and Alpine Spruce are selected for the character of the grain and quality of figure. They make the varnishes themselves, from traditional gums, oils and natural pigments. When choosing the colour, a judgement is made for the particular wood in question and great care is taken not only to protect, but to enhance the maximum resonance of each instrument. << previous