The workshop — the craft, step by step
On Sălciilor Street in Reghin, Mare Aurelian builds master violins, violas and cellos — entirely by hand, with the tools and the patience learned in his father Vasile's workshop. Nothing is manufactured: every instrument is built.
Wood seasoned 15 years
Resonance spruce for the tops, flamed maple for the backs, necks and ribs — naturally seasoned for at least 15 years before construction begins.
Hand carving
Every piece is carved with the chisel, not the machine, after Stradivari and Guarneri models. Ebony and rosewood complete the fittings.
Oil & amber varnish
Traditional varnish based on oil and amber resin, applied and antiqued by hand, layer by layer.
Final setup
The bridge, soundpost and strings are adjusted by ear, until it sounds the way a master instrument should sound.
“I never wanted to expand. The moment you do, it's no longer a master instrument, it's series production. You have to put soul into every instrument for it to be good, to sound beautiful.”— Mare Vasile · the workshop's inherited philosophy
Mare Aurelian — international distinctions
A record built at Europe's most important luthiery competitions — Mittenwald (Germany), Cremona (Italy), Sofia, Veszprém and Reghin — crowned by First Prize for viola, Reghin 2012.
The heritage — Mare Vasile
Aurelian's craft comes from a school of its own: his father, Mare Vasile, the workshop's founding master, with over 500 instruments built and an international record of his own — Mittenwald, Cremona, Reghin.
See Mare Vasile's workshop and diplomas →Come and see the workshop with your own eyes.
Book a visit to Reghin or a video audition for the instrument you're interested in.
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