Most modern instrument makers base their work on the forms and dimensions of the great makers of the past. At Eastman Strings, we have selected a number of historic models of past masters, as well as one more modern model, on which to base our instruments. While each of our instruments is an individual, crafted from natural materials that themselves affect the outcome, it is possible to discuss the properties that have become associated with the various makers.

Cello Patterns from left to right — Stradivarius, Goffriller, Guarneri, and Montagnana. The differences are subtle at first glance, but a closer look reveals considerable individuality.

As many might expect, most of our instruments are built on a pattern designed by the great Antonio Stradivari. Commonly known as Stradivarius, this maker is commonly acknowledged as the greatest violinmaker who ever lived. The time of his greatest work in Cremona, from the late 1600’s to the middle 1700’s, is thought of as the “Golden Age” of violin making. We use his models for violins, violas, and cellos. The model is respected for both its visual harmony and proportions, and for its acoustic properties.

Another model popular with makers and players is that of Giuseppe Guarneri “del Gesu.” This great maker had a style somewhat different from Stradivari's. The principal differences you can see most readily in modern copies of his work are in the f-holes and the outer shape. Many violin players like the Guarneri pattern because of its reputation for power and projection in tone. These instruments are typically bright and strong, with plenty of gusto high on the low strings. This maker is known primarily for violins, though he is thought to have made at least one cello in his life. Most Guarneri copy cellos are not specifically based on his cello pattern, but rather combine characteristics of instruments made by other members of the Guarneri family with a version of Giuseppe's easily recognizable violin f-holes.

Domenico Montagnana is especially well-known for his cellos. Many prominent players, including Yo-Yo Ma, Mischa Maisky, Mstislav Rostropovich, Truls Mørk, Franz Helmerson, and others play cellos by this Cremonese master. Several of our cello models are available in the Montagnana pattern. The most notable physical characteristic of this maker’s cellos is their wide body, which accounts for their tendency to have especially strong and colorful low registers and sweet sounding A strings.

Another maker who is known today primarily for his cellos is Matteo Goffriller. Many cello soloists, including Pablo Casals, Anner Bylsma, Yo-Yo Ma, Antonio Meneses, Daniel Gaisford, and others use or have used his cellos. They are known for their big, rich sound and great power in large halls. The Goffriller cello pattern we use is slightly narrower than that of Stradivari, and has distinctive, slightly large f-holes typical of this maker. In recent years, the Goffriller cellos have become increasingly popular with players. Our Frederich Wyss and Rainer Leonhardt cellos are available in this pattern.

Guarneri Pattern Violin
Compare the f-holes and body shape of this violin with those of the Stradivari above.

Lionel Tertis was not an instrument maker, yet a viola pattern is named after him. A violist living in England for nearly a century beginning in 1876, he had a profound influence on the viola world through his teaching, playing, and advocacy. He recognized that Old Master violas were extremely scarce, and that in many ways they didn’t live up to the standard of the great violins and cellos of the Golden Age. Using the wide model of early Brescian maker Gasparo da Salo as a starting point, Tertis designed a viola pattern with an enlarged resonating chamber that was nonetheless playable by violists using modern techniques and facing demanding modern repertoire. Tertis’ goal was to encourage modern makers to use this pattern and help erase the deficiency in powerful, resonant instruments for violists. Eastman Strings offers the Andreas Eastman model 305, Eastman Master Series models 605 and 905, and the Sebastian Künchen model 909 violas in the Tertis pattern.

Eastman Strings also makes a special pattern that is wider than the standard Stradivari model viola but not as wide as the Tertis. This is called our Wide Pattern Viola.

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