Ingars Rancevičs

Luthier

©Natalja Vekša

©Ingars Rancevičs

A 21st century luthier

Ingars builds bowed string instruments
He has invented a new musical instrument called the Ronda
In his instruments, tradition and innovation unite

Ingars Rancevičs belongs to a profession that might sound ancient: he is a luthier. Contrary to mass production, Ingars still builds stringed instruments from wood by himself, feeling the material, improving every detail and devoting himself to each instrument. He was a child when he first considered this profession. After years of musical education, he found an expert in violin making with whom to train, and thus started his journey as a luthier. But he is an innovator in every sense; he does not only build different types of bowed string instruments, he constantly researches new ways to improve the instruments and their sound. He is even developing brand new types of string instruments.

Interview

©Ingars Rancevičs

©Ingars Rancevičs

When did you start work in this profession?: I have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the Latvian Academy of Music. In 1996, I started studying violin making with a master, Zigurds Elsbergs. I also started to read relevant literature. In 1997, I began to repair instruments and do restoration work. In 2007, I built my first violin.
How would you define what you do?: Based on classical principles, I build new musical instruments. I explore more and more diversified timbres and tone colours in sound, introducing small innovations in the design of instruments: different soundboard curvatures, thickness, tuning, etc.
How do tradition and innovation come together in your work?: Classical contours, shapes and dimensions are combined with various experiments in the field of acoustics, such as tuning the soundboard of a violin to result in more modern sounds. Innovation also comes in the appearance of the instruments, their varnish colour and originality.
What techniques have you mastered?: I can build violins and other stringed instruments from A to Z. I have mastered not only woodworking by hand, but also using CNC cutters and 3D modelling, which gives me greater opportunities to fulfil original commissions. Other specialisations include tuning techniques and acoustic adjustments.

Ingars Rancevičs is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2007