• Joan has done substancial restoration work on both my antique Italian 'modern' violin and my contemporany baroque violin. Both cameback noticeable improved in openess and fluidity of sound; and in both cases he found thoughtful and well-research solutions to suit the unique properties of each instrument, consulting me where relevant at various points of decision-making. I feel very fortunate to have a luthier of his calibre in town, whose skill, knowdlege, and integrity I know I can trust and who brings such joy to his craft and community.

    – Benjamin Shute. Associate teacher (violin, chamber music, composition), University of St. Andrews.

    Former leader, Boston Chamber Orchestra

  • Joan Olivella gave my violin a full service. This included new pegs, a new bridge and soundpost, new tailgut, shooting the fingerboard, two repairs to the body of the instrument and a general clean as well as giving my bow a rehair. The result has been splendid. The violin is more vibrant overall plays with a more even tone and is more responsive especially in the lower dynamic range. Joan was generous with his time and was careful to find out exactly what I was looking for in the work he carried out. I am also very happy with the rehair. I purchased one of his violins, inspired by the Amati Alard model 1649. It is a beautifully made instrument, also with a very even tone over the four strings. It is very comfortable to hold and play. I found the sound rich in the lower register and both sweet and focused in the upper register. I recommend Joan Olivella as luthier without reservation.

    – Andrew Lees. Formally violist and 2nd violin of the Roxburgh Quartet, currently string coordinator at St. Andrew’s Univerity