Pablo Fernández Romero

The sound of music

• Pablo learned the craft in Seville and Cremona
• He set up his own studio in 2007
• He made a 7 string viola for Fahmi Alqhai

Pablo Fernández Romero makes string instruments, in particular viola da gamba, from his own designs or inspired by classic pieces. Since 2007 he has been an independent luthier based in Seville. He is always open to experimenting with new sounds and repertoires. Not much has changed over time in the building process of string instruments, a viola da gamba is made of different pieces of wood, assembled and glued together – no metal parts are necessary- creating a harmonic whole. His commissions and creations are the result of research and observation. Pablo uses different types of wood for each element, according to their technical performances, the making steps are slow and delicate, painstakingly executed by hand and driven by passion and discipline.

Interview

©Tomás Díaz Japón

©Tomás Díaz Japón

What drives you?

I would say a sense of surprise. The most rewarding aspect I find in what I do is to experience how an instrument is born from just simple pieces of wood. And then to have the chance of enjoying the music that comes from it: it's pure magic.

What makes your craft special?

String instruments have a very long life-span, lasting generations. The luthier is a craftsman that throughout his career may have the opportunity to modify or improve the same instrument in the workshop where it was built, in a very organic process.

Why did you become a luthier?

I was in my mid-twenties when I met Maestro Chacón and became familiar with his school. I knew right away that I had to pursue this path, since this craft encompasses so much of what I am interested in: woodwork and carving, marquetry, and music. I love the challenge it poses, everyday I discover something new.

Is there a technique you master?

To build bowed instruments you need to master and control different woodworking techniques such as intricate joinery or delicate folding, carving or marquetry. Every day there is something to learn, and as a maker each instrument is an organic entity of its own.

Pablo Fernández Romero is a master artisan: he began his career in 1999 and he started teaching in 2009

Works

©Pablo Fernández Romero

©Pablo Fernández Romero

©Pablo Fernández Romero

©Pablo Fernández Romero

Where