Theodore F. Skreko violin, Guadagnini model, Indianapolis, 2024 | Metzler Violins
resonant, supple, versatile
About the Instrument
This violin has a gorgeous sound and notable versatility. A delight to play, it makes for an excellent solo instrument or one that blends smoothly within a group. The instrument is finished with a lovely auburn varnish over a wheat ground that brings out the handsome medium curl flame that descends from the bass side on its single-piece back. The ribs, neck, and scroll are of the same quarter cut maple. This violin has been thoughtfully antiqued by the maker as an homage to the original upon which it is modeled: a violin crafted by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini.
Interior label reads: “Theodore F. Skreko / Indianapolis, 2024”
Length: 356 mm
Upper Bouts: 167 mm
Middle: 115 mm
Lower Bouts: 205 mm
About the Maker
Theodore F. Skreko (1981- ) was born in Indianopolis, Indiana. The contemporary American instrument maker had his first apprenticeship began at age 14 with Indianapolis luthier Kalon Watkins. Skreko worked for two other violin shops before being accepted into the Violin Making School of America in Salt Lake City, Utah where he spent four years at the school studying under Charles Woolf as well as instrument restoration with Boyd Paulson and bowmaking with Michael Vann. Upon graduation in 2003, Skreko and fellow classmate Chris Ulbricht started Indianapolis Violins in Skreko’s hometown, focusing on repairs and restoration. After 16 years, Skreko the shop to focus solely on instrument making. He works with his wife Sofia Vettori in their home studio, where they both build violins, violas, and cellos. Since 2008, he has regularly attended the Oberlin Violin Makers workshop.
Skreko’s crafting process is strongly influenced by Italian tradition built with modern performance in mind, often modeled after late period Guarneri del Gesù, “G” form Stradivari, and Santo Serafin. His violas are inspired by Gasparo da Salò and the Guarneri family, with cellos inspired by the finest Venetian and Cremonese makers such as Montagnana and Stradivarius. Skreko has also cultivated a highly successful personal model, which was awarded a special prize at the 2012 Art of Sound International Competition. His instruments have also received several awards at the Violin Society of America violin making competitions. Skreko’s pieces are highly prized by musicians for their powerful and accessible sound, excellent playability and feel, and their lovely antiqued patinas.
https://www.skrekoviolins.com/
Description
resonant, supple, versatile
About the Instrument
This violin has a gorgeous sound and notable versatility. A delight to play, it makes for an excellent solo instrument or one that blends smoothly within a group. The instrument is finished with a lovely auburn varnish over a wheat ground that brings out the handsome medium curl flame that descends from the bass side on its single-piece back. The ribs, neck, and scroll are of the same quarter cut maple. This violin has been thoughtfully antiqued by the maker as an homage to the original upon which it is modeled: a violin crafted by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini.
Interior label reads: “Theodore F. Skreko / Indianapolis, 2024”
Length: 356 mm
Upper Bouts: 167 mm
Middle: 115 mm
Lower Bouts: 205 mm
About the Maker
Theodore F. Skreko (1981- ) was born in Indianopolis, Indiana. The contemporary American instrument maker had his first apprenticeship began at age 14 with Indianapolis luthier Kalon Watkins. Skreko worked for two other violin shops before being accepted into the Violin Making School of America in Salt Lake City, Utah where he spent four years at the school studying under Charles Woolf as well as instrument restoration with Boyd Paulson and bowmaking with Michael Vann. Upon graduation in 2003, Skreko and fellow classmate Chris Ulbricht started Indianapolis Violins in Skreko’s hometown, focusing on repairs and restoration. After 16 years, Skreko the shop to focus solely on instrument making. He works with his wife Sofia Vettori in their home studio, where they both build violins, violas, and cellos. Since 2008, he has regularly attended the Oberlin Violin Makers workshop.
Skreko’s crafting process is strongly influenced by Italian tradition built with modern performance in mind, often modeled after late period Guarneri del Gesù, “G” form Stradivari, and Santo Serafin. His violas are inspired by Gasparo da Salò and the Guarneri family, with cellos inspired by the finest Venetian and Cremonese makers such as Montagnana and Stradivarius. Skreko has also cultivated a highly successful personal model, which was awarded a special prize at the 2012 Art of Sound International Competition. His instruments have also received several awards at the Violin Society of America violin making competitions. Skreko’s pieces are highly prized by musicians for their powerful and accessible sound, excellent playability and feel, and their lovely antiqued patinas.
https://www.skrekoviolins.com/
