At first, the strength and solidity of Pfitzner Furniture may seem at odds with the delicate nature of violin making. But when you have a passion for timber it'’s a natural association.
Long ago, on a visit to Williamsburg, Virginia, John Pfitzner was kept fascinated by a violinmaker in action. And, with a side interest in performing with the State Opera, he decided to put his ear for music to good use.
Concentrating on quality, not quantity, John’s work over the years includes a copy of Guiseppe Guarneri del Gesu’s famed 1734 violin and his own magnum opus, the Waraweena violin.
The Waraweena is an all-Australian production, named after a sheep station in the Northern Flinders Ranges where the acacia salacena was found, aged and embedded in a dry creek. Northern Territory ironwood forms the fingerboard, while the fastidiously shaped soundboard is from Tasmania’n King Billy pine. The piece is finished with the finest layers of acid cured lacquer to enhance the timbers’ resonance. When Australian violinist Jane Peters played the instrument she remarked it “carries well” with a “bigger voice.”
John’s next challenge is a double bass.
To view some examples of violin designs click here.
Commissions are accepted – email john@pfitzner.com.au