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Featured Maker Interview • Matias Crom
Welcome back to our Featured Maker series, where we interview some of the valued craftspeople who supply instruments to The Early Music Shop. This time, it's time to shine a light on the skilled luthier Matias Crom.
Matias Crom is a renowned luthier who is known for his exceptional craftsmanship and expertise in creating and restoring stringed instruments, particularly those of the Baroque period. With a passion for music and a deep understanding of historical instruments, Matias has dedicated his life to preserving the art of luthiery.
We spoke to Matias from his home in Buenos Aires after recently taking delivery of one of his beautiful lutes.
The Early Music Shop: We’re very excited to have in stock one of your Sellas Archlutes. This is one of your most popular instruments. Why do you think that is?
Matias Crom: This "Sellas" model is the perfect companion for lute players. Good for continuo, for solo repertoire, easy to play, and portable also! I am very proud of the music recorded with this lute that get from wonderful people around the world. Especially big fan of the album "De manera silenciosa" by Hernan Vives.
EMS: We’re proud to stock many of your fine instruments. How did your relationship with The Early Music Shop begin?
MC: I came to London ten years ago to study a famous Violone by Gio Paolo Maggini. Brought with me a copy of the instrument to show at the Museum and left it at The Early Music Shop and was featured at that year's LIFEM. The next year I came back with a "Sellas" archlute, this was 2017. I have been making about six lutes a year for The Early Music Shop, i love everything about working there, specially coming to the festival.
EMS: Your luthiery is based in the Italian tradition. How did your love of music begin and why have you concentrated on making rather than playing instruments?
MC: Music and family is all i have done in my life. I feel that i am very curious about "sound" – this is why I choose luthiery. Luthiery is a remarkable craft, instruments are not only beautiful, they also are a voice for musicians, and connect with other instruments and artists to create the most sacred in life, music.
EMS: We love following your stories on Instagram. Do you enjoy this way of connecting with people, and how important is it to you?
MC: Being a lutemaker sometimes is a bit too solemn and romantic. So I enjoy having this window at my shop where friends can see what is on my workbench. I like to show all my "secrets" so that the message is about hard work and tradition, because that is the only secret.
EMS: You seem to have an eclectic musical taste. Do you have a secret (or not so secret) ambition to be a rock god?
MC: Oh! I must say that only luthiery and music can take me to a state of genuine freedom of spirit. I believe that when you work and when you play you are speaking with something eternal. I am a big fan of Gentle Giant, yes, and the 70s prog rock scene, but also early music is quite eclectic, I see that people use it to TIME TRAVEL.
EMS: What instruments are you currently working on, and can we expect to see any in our showrooms soon?
MC: I am proud to say that at this very moment I am varnishing a baroque lute that i believe will be my next battlehorse. It's the "Hoffmann" model and will suit lute players that want to go baroque with an instrument that is easy to play, sounds good and looks stunning with the swan neck extension made from golden flamed maple. On the drawing board, the "Lions" guitar.
Explore the full range of Matias Crom instruments at The Early Music Shop by clicking here.
