Wim Baeck
I mainly make violins and violas, both classical and baroque, mostly working out my own designs, based on old masters. For the construction I apply tried and age-old techniques and I finish the instrument with a traditional oil-based varnish.
I started playing the violin at the age of seven, but in the end opted for the visual arts.After my studies in the art of painting at St-Lucas in Brussels, I specialized on sculpture and the goldsmith's trade.
Making violins proved to be the synthesis of those former disciplines. Sound, however, being the extra motivation! Also playing the instrument myself remains very important!
As for violin making, I have taken classes at the CMB in Puurs, after which I have trained with bow maker Blaise Emmelin and violin maker Thomas Meuwissen in Brussels. For the Hardangerfiddle I was trained by Sigvald Rørlien in Norway