Jacob Brillhart
Violin Maker
Visited: February 11 & 12, 2022
Jacob Brillhart is an award winning violin maker from the hills of central vermont. Brillhart's instruments are made entirely by hand according to the antique methods perfected by the Italian Masters centuries ago. Each piece of wood is lovingly and carefully carved to maximize the instrument's voice and playability and to also be a work of sculptural beauty. Brillhart's violins can be found in the hands of professional musicians around the country. A graduate of the North Bennet Street School in Boston, Jacob Brillhart studied violin making under master maker Roman Barnas.
During Brillhart’s visit at Village Handcraft, he will be working on a violin at his bench and anyone is welcome to stop by each day between 11 am and 5 pm to see the work happening. The violin making process takes dozens of hours and weeks of careful finishing work. Our time with Jake will give us a snapshot of some of the steps that go into creating this beautiful form of playable craft.
At around 4:30 each afternoon, Jake will pause the violin making to play a few fiddle tunes for anyone in the shop. He’s a truly excellent musician, and we’ll be lucky to hear him play!
Photos Courtesy of Jacob Brillhart