Wood is one of the most fascinating product nature places at our disposal. Its versatility in crafting and application are hard to beat.

For me, the journey from tree to finished product is a new adventure every time. The first step is to wander through the forest with my eyes open appreciating the individuality of each tree and eventually choosing the tree most suitable for instrument building. Above all I set great store straight growth and close growth rings.

 
The second step is no less important: felling. This can only take place during the winter months and, weather permitting, when the moon is in a favourable phase of is cycle as this is he time when the tree has the lowest water content. Each tree felled is numbered immediately so that the year and location are traceable.

The splitting and sawing of tree trunks requires great concentration and accuracy. It is important that I am there when this work takes place.  The sawing to size, planning and stacking as well as the slow air drying has to be carefully controlled and checked in order to avoid mould and cracking.

After about 9 to 10 months the tops are almost completely dry. They are then taken from the stack quality controlled again, planed and shelved where they wait patiently for an instrument builder. When a customer has found a top which is suitable for his requirements in terms of appearance, fibre, weight and rigidity he can re-order tops from the same tree by using our numbering system.

The famous hazel spruce from the higher regions of the dolomite mountain rang eis one of the most coveted resonance woods in instrument building and I am fascinated time and time again by the quality which nature places at our disposal. Instrument builders will understand that I sometimes find it difficult to part with woods of such high quality.

When I look back on the long journey which my stored woods have made I feel I have a unique piece of nature in my hands, perfected by hard work and years of experience.