Ward Albert, Xander Decraecke, Liam Gyselinck, Michiel Vandenameele
The transfer of a piece of history

Teacher Frank Hollinga talks to the four graduating master's students in musical instrument making. The coffee is ready, the wood shavings are swept off the table, and Michiel, Liam, Ward, and Xander join the conversation.

Frank Hollinga

Why did you choose historical instruments? Why not a modern electric guitar or a black lacquered piano?

Michiel Vandenameele
My interest in historical instruments is something that has grown over time. I chose instrument making as a way to combine my previous education in wood technology with my passion for music. As I progressed in this field, my fascination for historical instruments only grew.

Liam Gyselinck
I was already studying classical guitar. From there, I developed a keen interest in historical plucked instruments such as the lute and the theorbo.

Xander Decraecke
For me, the choice of historical instruments stems from a fascination with the process itself: discovering, learning and continuing to practise with a genuine passion. At the moment, our interest lies in these specific sound worlds or construction methods, but that does not mean it will always be that way. Just as a painter's style can change over time, our artistic preferences can also evolve and take new directions.

FH

What is it about historical instruments and crafts that fascinates you so much?

LG

For me, the beauty of practising an ancient craft is the transfer of a piece of history that might otherwise have been lost.

XD
What intrigues us is researching historical instruments and attempting to bring them back to life in the spirit of their original makers. It is not so much about every scratch, wood fibre or exact thickness, but about the whole: the soul of the instrument and the sound that connects with a particular musical tradition. These discoveries are invaluable and at the same time offer a playful source of inspiration to translate into our own, more contemporary creations.

FH
Where does that interest stem from?

Ward Albert
I'm not so sure about that. Perhaps my interest developed during my education? When you acquire certain knowledge, you automatically start to look at things differently. You learn to appreciate them in a new way. And when I make something entirely by hand, I get more satisfaction out of it myself.

XD

Music is the art form that resonates most deeply with me. Although I am not a musician myself, I find my way through my hands: by creating, building, giving. In this way, I can give something back to this art form. At the same time, I nurture my own mental well-being. For me, working with wood has a healing power for the soul. Those who surrender to it will be amazed by the power and tranquillity it holds.

FH

Isn't it difficult to place yourself in a zeitgeist that has long since ceased to exist?

WA

Certainly. The world of historical instrument making is relatively small, and all kinds of crafts seem to be gradually disappearing. I am convinced, however, that there will always be a number of experts in this field.

LG

Of course, it is impossible to transport yourself 100% into a different era. However, I have always done my best to imagine what techniques the historical builders had at their disposal.

FH

Do you now view the crafts and arts of the past differently?

WA 

With a little more knowledge, perhaps. Understanding how many hours go into making a traditional instrument, especially in the back when these instruments were first made, that does affect your perception of them. You also learn about the expertise and ingenuity of craftspeople, especially when you look at and use antique tools.

FH

What instruments are still on your wish-to-build-list?

MV
In the future, I would like to recreate the entire collection of Flemish instruments from the MIM (Musical Instrument Museum, Brussels). Mainly because the Delin is part of that collection.

LG
I am most looking forward to building the Viola da Mano, a project I am undertaking together with my classmate Ward Albert. The Viola da Mano is an Italian instrument that often appears in paintings, but of which no original examples remain. In a project like this, Ward and I can combine our different areas of expertise as bow and pluck string instrument makers.

XD
Within my specialisation, guitar building, I have a wealth of aspirations. In recent years, I have acquired some particularly valuable and inspiring instruments, especially within the Romantic tradition and the old Spanish style for classical and flamenco guitars. I would particularly like to explore and delve deeper into the often underappreciated Spanish Romantic period. The Baroque guitar also attracts my attention, as does a future project with a friend and colleague: building an arpeggione.

FH

Any plans for the future?

MV

Building up capital so that it is possible to start my own studio.

LG

The first item on my agenda is, of course, to build my own workshop so that I can start building at a steady pace.

XD

My business is gradually taking shape: a website, cards, and, most importantly, new instruments that are coming to life in the workshop. In addition, I am planning masterclasses and internships so that I can deepen my own learning process and share my experiences at the same time. For me, the future is a journey in which craftsmanship and personal growth go hand in hand.