Entranced at first glance
- Pavel is one of few luthiers still practising in Slovenia today
- His musical ear has been developed through years of playing in an ensemble
- Each violin he makes involves up to 250 hours of precise handcrafting
Since the year 2000, master luthier Pavel Skaza has been crafting and restoring string instruments in his workshop in Vitanje. Renowned for violins made from Pohorje spruce, his atelier is a small living museum, filled with violins, violas and the occasional cello awaiting restoration. His path to lutherie began almost by chance while working as a caretaker at a music school, when a single sketch in a book on violins revealed the inner logic of string instruments. "This sparked a lifelong fascination for me," says Pavel. He refined his skills in workshops across Croatia, Switzerland, Germany and Italy. His expertise is trusted by world-class performers, including Luka Šulić.
Interview
- Which phase of the making process demands the most from you?
- The most demanding part of the process is carving the back and the top, as every piece of wood is unique. To achieve a full, resonant tone, the plates must be carved to exact thicknesses: The most rewarding moment comes when fitting the soundpost.
- Could you explain the conditioning of wood required in lutherie?
- The ageing of wood is essential to how an instrument will perform. Maple wood must be stored for at least ten years, while spruce requires around eight. There are no shortcuts in this process. Artificial drying causes the microscopic cells that hold moisture to rupture, leaving the wood acoustically compromised and, over time effectively 'deaf'.
- How would you describe your experience in the world capital of violin making?
- The competition in Cremona is a special experience, as this is where the history of violin making began. For me, simply being selected to participate felt like a success. Around 400 violins were entered and my instrument was ranked within the top 100. It was also included in the official competition catalogue and exhibited for three weeks at the Museo del Violino in Cremona.
- Do you have a special attachment to any of your violins?
- I made a violin that I never intended to sell during the time of my mother’s farewell. Inside, it bears a personal inscription: “In memory of my mother.” My niece is the one who plays this violin. We have a simple agreement: if anyone may play this violin, it is her. And if she ever stops playing, she will return it to me.
Pavel Skaza is a master artisan: he began his career in 2000 and he started teaching in 2000
Works
Where
Pavel Skaza
