Timeless Sound Crafted by Hand
I am a luthier specialized in the construction of historical instruments from the 15th to the 18th centuries. Each one begins with the study of iconographic sources, original ones, and treatises, respecting the proportions, woods, and methods of the period.
The result is instruments that remain faithful to their historical context, conceived for performers who seek sound authenticity and outstanding craftsmanship.
I can also offer rare pieces such as bass and soprano lutes, octave lutes, baroque guitars, harps, and other instruments not listed on my website.
I studied at London Guildhall University between 1992 and 1996, specialising in early plucked string instruments. Throughout my career I have lived and worked in London, Budapest, several of the Canary Islands, Mallorca and Cagliari, and I am now based in Mahon, on the island of Minorca, where I have my workshop.
I do not use any electric tools: every piece is made using the same techniques and hand tools that were employed in the period to which each instrument belongs.
Designed for Elegance
Explore timeless handcrafted instruments, from delicate mandolins to rich-sounding lutes. Discover the artistry in every curve and detail. Timeless craftsmanship infused with passion and precision.
The workshop is a space of silence and wood. Here, ancient forms slowly return, shaped by time and sound. The woods —maple, spruce, ebony— wait their turn to become voice. The varnish, made from natural oils and resins, accompanies this process without haste. There are no machines to replace touch or listening. Every carved rosette, every profile, every curve follows a single idea: to bring back to the present the sound of the past. This is how I understand lutherie — as a dialogue with history.
The roses on all these instruments are often the only bit of extreme decoration. Though they serve no purpose, they close the aesthetic harmony of these instruments in a spectacular way. In accordance with the time and place of the lute or guitar copied the material can be different, on lutes they are usually carved out of the soundboard, on guitars they are usually made in parchment either flat or three dimensional. And sometimes, on earlier instruments, where the designs are the most intricate, they can be made of mixed wood and parchment.
A very important part of my work is the control I maintain over my tools. Their condition directly influences the quality of what I create, so I treat them with the same respect and attention that a musician gives to a cherished instrument. Each piece is meticulously cared for: the steel is kept clean and lightly oiled to prevent corrosion, the wooden handles are waxed until they feel warm and smooth in the hand, and every blade is sharpened to an edge that responds instantly and predictably. Between instruments, I often dedicate an entire day solely to maintenance and honing. It’s a slow, almost meditative process—listening to the sound of the blade passing over the stone, watching the metal gradually refine itself into a perfect cutting edge. I use this time not only to keep my working tools in top condition but also to give the same attention to the kitchen knives at home. The ritual of sharpening connects my daily life with my craft, reminding me that precision and care extend far beyond the workshop.
Medieval
Instruments that evoke the sounds of the Middle Ages, characterized by structural simplicity and a pure tone. Inspired by Gothic manuscripts and sculptures, these models recreate the sonority of the 13th to 15th centuries, when music began to flourish around troubadour poetry and sacred chant.
Renaissance
Instruments that embody the musical splendor of the Renaissance, a period of refinement and balance in sound. Built from fine woods and featuring elegant, restrained decoration, they combine acoustic precision with visual harmony. Their repertoire ranges from courtly dances to the most intricate polyphonic compositions.
Baroque
Instruments designed for the expressiveness and virtuosity of the Baroque period. With a richer and more resonant sound, they stand out for their ornamentation and for the search for a warm, articulate timbre. They are the protagonists of music from the 17th and 18th centuries, when performance became an art of emotion and contrast.
COMISSIONS
Each instrument is built to order and entirely by hand. The process begins with a conversation to define the historical model, choice of woods, finishes, and any personal details the musician may wish to include. From there, I carefully select the materials and prepare each part according to the original proportions of the corresponding period.
The construction time varies depending on the complexity of the instrument and the current waiting list, but usually ranges from three to six months. Throughout this period, I keep in close contact with the client, sending photos and videos of the process so they can follow the evolution of their instrument step by step. If you would like more information about prices, availability or delivery times, please fill out the contact form. I will reply personally to discuss the details of your project.
Alexander Hopkins
Get in Touch
If you would like more information about an instrument, to commission a piece, or simply to learn more about my work, you can write to me using the form or the email address below. I personally reply to every message, usually within a short time. You can also get in touch if you would like to visit the workshop in Mahon (Minorca). Visits are by appointment only, so that I can dedicate the necessary time to each person and explain the process in detail.