Maker's Name: Gaspar Borchardt

Place of Birth: Santiago, Chile

Date of Birth:1961

Workshop location: Cremona

Education: Graduated Cremona School 1986, studied with Giorgio Scolari.

Mr. Musafia's note: It is hard to say which is more pleasing of Gaspar's work: the sound quality or the quality of finish.  The sound quality has consistently made Gaspar's instruments stand apart from his competitors, while his mode of antiquing his varnish makes for a very pleasing somewhat old (but not too old) finish.  Hampered by a small production, I say that if you can find one -- buy it!

Curriculum Vitae: Born in 1961. Attended the Cremona International Violinmaking School graduating in 1988. In 1990 passes the Artisan Chamber of Commerce. examination Düsseldorf Germany. Dedicates himself almost exclusively to building violins, violas and 'cellos using the so-called Cremonese method. Outlines, archings and varnishes are chosen for their acoustic functionality with particular care given to choice aged wood.

Maker's Name: Sibylle Fehr-Brochardt

Place of Birth:

Date of Birth: Aug. 24, 1965

Workshop location: Cremona

Mr. Musafia's note: Sharing a shop with Gaspar, the husband and wife turn out instruments which are of a similar level of finish.  Unfortunately Sibylle's production is very small -- but when I find something of hers it is almost always impossible for me not to buy it.

Curriculum Vitae:  After having studied violinmaking in Bubenreuth, Germany she worked in Francesco Bissolati's workshop for four years.  After taking some time off for family, when she made very few instruments, she registered with the City of Cremona (in 1997), together with Gaspar to make instruments.  She has been making instruments ever since.