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Rouen, France

Baptiste Bernard

Il pleut des cordes...
Luthier

The art of fine tuning

  • Baptiste works on string instruments from all over the world
  • He graduated with an Artisan d’art, and a Luthier d’art diploma
  • His client base is very wide and diverse

For Baptiste Bernard, it all started in his father's watchmaking workshop, on a workbench, repairing an old banjo that he had collected in his youth. “He encouraged me to put my hands to work, so we restored the instrument and gave it a second life”. Since this moment, Baptiste has been practising the craft of luthier. In 2012, he opened his own workshop in the heart of Rouen, where he is making and working on string instruments from all over the world, from all periods. The interaction with each customer and meeting everyone’s specific desire for him is the most enriching apect of his work. From the amateur to the professional musician, the composer and the apprentice, Baptiste aligns his knowledge with musical diversity.


Interview

©Caroline Bazin
©Caroline Bazin
How would you define what you do?
I answer to specific needs, which the industry cannot usually meet. My clients often look for a service adapted to their own musical game. The tuning and manufacturing are suited to the personal need of the musician in terms of sound research, but also aesthetics.
What do you like most about your profession?
The concrete part of the process; bringing the idea to fruition, mastering the production in its entirety, the perpetual learning. Craftsmanship is a long and beautiful journey on the path of humility and personal fulfillment yet carried out for others.
What is a memorable moment in your career?
Being awarded my diploma as a violin maker and my title as a craftsman. It is an environment where we move forward with small steps, always wanting to do better. These moments are a mark of progress even if the time doesn't stop for them.
Is your profession at risk?
I don't think it is in danger. Music and artistic creation are constants in the evolution of mankind. The profession will undoubtedly evolve, but it will always surely be represented.
Baptiste Bernard is a master artisan: he began his career in 2002 and he started teaching in 2012

Where


Baptiste Bernard

Address: 63 rue Martainville, 76000, Rouen, France
Hours: Thursday 09:30-18:30; Friday and Saturday 09:30-19:00
Phone: +33 276285763
Languages: French, English, Spanish
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