Luke Mercier Handmade Violins & Violas

Examples of Luke Mercier Violins & Violas

My History

Since 1991, my exposure to consummate skill in the art of violin restoration, making and identification at Geo. Heinl & Co. Ltd. in Toronto, Canada has had a tremendous impact on my skills as a maker of stringed instruments. Heinls represent Canada's foremost and oldest Violin House currently presided over by Ric Heinl.

As a violin restorer, I have had countless opportunities to handle, study and restore numerous great works. Among them, some of my most memorable and more extensive restoration projects were the 1689 'Baumgartner' Antonio Stradivari, violins by Francesco Stradivari, J. B. Guadagninni, Amati family and the 'Bell' Tononi.

Currently, I am working out of a home-based shop located in Spring Brook, Ontario. I make violins on a commission basis for professional players and serious students approaching a professional level.

My Violins & Violas

My violins & violas are constructed using traditional inside moulds patterned after works by Antonio Stradivari, Guarneri del Gesu and Andrea Guarneri. Some of my patterns are made first hand from original examples and others are from accurate 1:1 scale images. Although my training has led me to work from traditionally used models of the classical period, I tend not to restrict myself to any two or three specific models simply because there are too many great instruments with so much to offer.

As there are many strands to draw from in the world of Violin Making, I enjoy incorporating unique features and characteristics from several of the old masters into any one given work (depending on the nature of the commission) - resulting in a look that is refreshing, original and homogeneous.

My Tools

My tools are not much different from those used for over four hundred years with the exception of a band saw and drill press which are common to almost every shop today. I do not use CNC router cutting tools or sanders. In fact, sandpaper is very seldom used. I work with a variety of planes, finger planes, gouges, chisels, knives, files and scrapers, many of which are homemade.

My experience as a restorer has equipped me with the ability to execute each task with great care and confidence, intuition, skill and freedom.

A note to the Artist

I am happy to explore different models and ideas presented by my clients. I take great enjoyment in the sharing of thoughts and ideas through correspondence over the course of the making process. This often makes for a more enjoyable experience for both the client and myself. At the artist's request, I am willing to provide detailed photographs of the work in progress. This in turn, helps to establish a more direct connection between the artist and the instrument, creating an even more pleasurable making experience for myself. As an accomplished musician and instrument maker, I take the needs and requirements of my fellow artist to heart. Your complete satisfaction is my greatest concern!

-Luke Mercier

Luke Mercier Violins & Violas may be commissioned from him directly or through Geo. Heinl & Co. Ltd in Toronto, Canada.

Examples of Luke Mercier Violins & Violas

Contact: Luke Mercier

Inset: Luke Mercier - violin maker/restorer since 1991
Instrument: 1733 Antonio Stradivarius -ex "Rode"