London

Lucas Fabro

Luthier | Cremona, Italy

The luthier from Argentina

Lucas’s workshop in Cremona is close to Stradivari’s home
Every instrument he makes is an extension of himself
He is particularly keen on making Baroque instruments

At the age of 21, Lucas Fabro decided to leave his native Buenos Aires, where he had a steady job and a loving family, and cross the Atlantic ocean in order to fulfil his dream of becoming a violin maker in the town of Stradivari. He settled down in Cremona, where he graduated from the Istituto di Istruzione Superiore Antonio Stradivari and was then trained by master violin maker Daniele Scolari. He opened his own workshop in 2018, and was soon appreciated by an international clientele for the quality of his production. Being a man of his generation, Lucas has a YouTube channel where he shares his craft with people all over the world. “In this way,” he explains, “musicians can know more about the instruments they play and everyone can explore this wonderful art.”

Interview

When did you realise that violin making was your calling?: I started to develop an aptitude for working with wood when I was only five. At the age of 18, I bought a violin with my first salary, and started taking lessons with maestro Roberto Cuccurullo in Buenos Aires. Approaching music in this way has had a very strong impact on my life.
What types of stringed instruments do you make?: Mostly violins, violas and cellos. I am also very keen on making Baroque instruments, like the viola da gamba. There is very little historical information available concerning the crafting of these instruments, and you have to carry out a great deal of personal research and interpretation.
How important is your relationship with your clients?: I believe that having a synergy with the musicians is an essential part of my work. In this craft, it is paramount to interpret their needs, and I can say with great satisfaction that many of my clients have become close friends in the process.
Can you relate a little known fact about your work?: One of the big secrets of this craft is the amount of time you have to devote to working. It’s far less romantic than people would normally imagine! And since Cremona is full of violin makers, you have to be exceptionally good in order to succeed.

Lucas Fabro is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2014