Crafting Exceptional Violins in the Isle of Man

Welcome to Joughin Violins, where tradition meets craftsmanship in the heart of the Isle of Man. Founded and passionately nurtured by the father-son duo, Greg and César Joughin, our workshop is a testament to the enduring art of violin making. Greg, with his wealth of experience, and César, a skilled artisan trained at the prestigious Newark School of Violin Making, combine their talents to create instruments of exceptional quality and beauty.

At Joughin Violins, each violin is not just an instrument, but a story woven from the rich cultural tapestry of the Isle of Man. From the majestic triskele adorning our signature Manx Violins to the locally sourced Sycamore wood shaping their unique sound, every detail reflects our dedication to the craft and our love for the island's heritage. Join us in celebrating the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, where every string resonates with a piece of the Islands soul.

discover The Manx Violin

Discover the distinctive beauty of the Manx Violin, the signature creation of Joughin Violins. This exceptional instrument encapsulates the spirit of the Isle of Man, distinguished by its unique design and local materials. A standout feature of the Manx Violin is the intricately carved triskele, an emblem of the Isle of Man, gracefully replacing the traditional scroll. This symbol, representing the three legs of Man, is not just a decorative element but a proud display of our heritage.

The body of the violin is crafted from the finest Sycamore or Ash sourced directly from the woodlands of the Isle of Man. The choice of this wood is deliberate, ensuring that each violin not only sounds magnificent but also carries with it a piece of manx heritage. The natural grains and texture of the Sycamore lend a distinct character to every violin, making each one a unique masterpiece.

The basic structure is fashioned after the traditional ‘Golden Period’. The Manx violin is characterised by a light and responsive action, with a timbre that is deep and clear. The tonal qualities sit easy with other instruments.

The Manx Violin

discover Italian Styled Violins

Italian Styled Violins

While the Manx Violin stands as our signature piece, the skill and artistry of Joughin Violins extend to a wide range of traditional violins, each crafted with the same dedication and attention to detail. Our gallery showcases the variety and elegance of these instruments, highlighting the classic designs that have resonated through the ages.

Each of these traditional violins is a testament to our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. We frequently use flamed Maple, a wood cherished for its striking appearance and excellent acoustic properties. This wood gives each violin a unique pattern, ensuring that while they may be traditional in design, each is distinct in character.

Made in the Stradivari ‘Golden Age’ style or the Guarnerian style these violins are very traditional in appearance. Their flamed maple construction lends a warm bright resonance across the range.

Wangdoodle

The Wangdoodle started out as a wild experiment, but with it’s complex structure and ‘Klingon’ styling this bad boy soon attracted the attention of would be buyers looking for something a little more ‘out-there’. The vital statistics and playability of the Wangdoodle are completely standard, but the sound is bold and forthright; great for busking…. and any situation that needs a little extra….well, just about everything.

View our gallery

A Visual Symphony of Craftsmanship

Explore our gallery, a vibrant showcase of the violins from Joughin Violins. Each photograph tells a story, from the iconic Manx Violin with its distinctive triskele to the timeless allure of our traditional violins. These images capture the essence of our craftsmanship, revealing not only the finished masterpieces but also the meticulous process behind them – the selection and shaping of the wood, and the intricate details that define each instrument. Through this visual journey, we invite you to appreciate the artistry that transforms wood into music. Whether you're a musician, a connoisseur, or an admirer of fine craftsmanship, our gallery offers a glimpse into the world of violin making – a world where art and melody harmoniously intertwine.

Violin Accessories

Accessories: The Art of Elegance

In addition to our exquisite violins, Joughin Violins offers a carefully curated selection of high-quality accessories. Each item, from bows to cases and strings, is chosen with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality that defines our violins.

Our range includes both standard and bespoke parts, catering to the varied needs of our clientele. If you're looking for something specific or need a custom solution, we may be able to source or create it for you.

For detailed information and to find accessories that perfectly match your violin, we encourage you to contact us. Our team is dedicated to assisting you in selecting the ideal accessories to enhance your musical experience. We have recently started to make some of our own tail pieces and chin rests out of local wood; Ash, Sycamore and Cherry.

Repair & Restoration

Repair and Restoration

At Joughin Violins, our expertise extends beyond crafting violins to ensuring their longevity and pristine condition. Our repair and restoration services cater to a wide range of needs, from the simplest to the most complex. Whether your violin needs a quick string change or a more intricate repair, our skilled luthiers are equipped to handle it with the utmost care and precision. Our services include:

String
Replacement

Quick and accurate string changes to keep your instrument in perfect playing condition.

Sound
Adjustment

Fine-tuning the sound post and bridge for optimal sound quality.

Cosmetic
Repairs

Addressing scratches, dents, and other surface damages to restore your violin's appearance.

Structural
Repairs

Mending cracks or damages to the body, neck, or scroll.

Complete
Rebuilds

Undertaking extensive restorations for violins that require more than just superficial repairs.

Each instrument is treated with respect and attention to detail, ensuring that it not only looks its best but also produces the beautiful sound it was crafted for.

Do you have specific repair or restoration needs? Each violin has its own story and unique requirements. We invite you to contact Joughin Violins to discuss how we can help bring your instrument back to its best form. Whether it's a minor fix or a major restoration, trust us to provide expert care and advice tailored to your violin's needs.

The unique Joughin Process

The Art of Violin Crafting

At Joughin Violins, the creation of each violin is a journey that marries age-old traditions with modern precision. Our process reflects a deep respect for the craft, a commitment to quality, and a dedication to producing instruments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also unparalleled in sound.

Crafting the Violin. Each violin takes shape over a six-week period, where every step is carried out with meticulous attention to detail. From the initial carving of the wood to the final assembly, our luthiers employ a blend of traditional handcrafting techniques and contemporary methods. This ensures every violin not only meets but exceeds the expectations of musicians, both in terms of playability and tonal quality.

Sourcing the Materials. Our journey begins with the careful selection of materials. We pride ourselves on using locally sourced Sycamore and Ash for parts like the neck and back, and Sitka spruce or reclaimed Laxey Wheel pine for the belly plates. We have a supply of local Cherry that we use for set-up fittings. These woods not only support the local ecosystem but infuses each instrument with a piece of the Isle of Man’s essence.

Finishing with Flair. The finishing touches are what set a Joughin Violin apart. We use oil-based varnishes, primarily in mid-amber hues, to enhance the natural beauty of the wood. These varnishes are carefully applied to provide lasting protection and to bring out the unique characteristics of each violin. Each instrument has it’s own characteristics but as a general rule of thumb when new, our violins have a strong clean sound with good balance across the strings. As the instrument ages the sound increases in complexity and generally deepens to become warmer and brighter.

Tailoring to Taste. We understand that every musician is unique, and so we offer customisation in both the crafting and finishing stages. Whether it's a variation in the varnish color or a specific request for the wood carving, our process is flexible enough to accommodate individual preferences.

Quality Assurance. Before any violin leaves our workshop, it undergoes a rigorous quality check. This ensures that every instrument is not just visually stunning, but also perfect in terms of sound and build quality.

We invite you to be part of this exquisite process. Whether you are commissioning a new violin or seeking to restore an old one, at Joughin Violins, you are not just acquiring an instrument; you are embracing a piece of artistry that will resonate through generations.

Contact or Visit the Workshop

For questions, assistance, or to discuss your violin needs, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help you with your musical journey.

Email: gregjoughin@manx.net
Phone: 01624 843318
Address: Joughin Violins, Reayrt y Chashtal, Marine Parade, Peel, Isle of Man, IM5 1PA, British Isles.
You can find us on Face Book

We warmly welcome visitors to our workshop, where you can experience the art of violin making firsthand. We usually have a selection of violins that you can try in comfortable private surroundings. Our doors are open: Monday-Saturday: 9.00am - 5.00pm. To ensure we can provide you with the best possible experience, we recommend phoning in advance to arrange your visit.

Our workshop is located in the picturesque town of Peel on the Isle of Man, easily accessible and a delightful place to visit.

Laxey wheel wood

BASIC PRICE GUIDE.

The following is a guide to the price of a new Manx Violin with ‘triskele’ scroll.

Neck, head, back and ribs made from Manx grown Ash or Sycamore with either Sitka Spruce or Laxey Wheel Pine top plate. Fittings:- Fingerboard, nut, saddle, pegs, tailpiece, chinrest of either local Ash, Sycamore or Cherry wood, or, wood of the customer’s choice. Varnish will typically be oil based and can be tinted to individual choice. Basic workshop strings and up to four fine tuners are included with each violin.

If you are interested in purchasing a violin, then please get in touch and we can discus your preferences and offer a firm quote and estimated build time.

£2,200.00 This basic price will stand until January 2025