Hans Jóhannsson

Hans Johannsson (born in Reykjavík, 1957) is a contemporary violin maker, most notable for his 21st century violin, which New York Times chose as one of the best ideas of the year. He makes violins, violas, cellos, double basses and various other stringed instruments. His passion for the violin started at an early age in the workshop of his grandfather Gudjon Halldorsson, a cabinet maker in Reykjavík, Iceland, where he began making musical instruments. He finished his studies at the Newark School of Violin Making in Great Britain with a diploma of distinction, under Maurice Bouette and Glen Collins in 1980. He subsequently received a masters diploma from the Icelandic Arts and crafts council in 1982. He has been making instruments for professional musicians in many countries. After 1982, Hans lived and worked with his family at the Chateau de Bourglinster in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, until 1993. He is a full member of the International Society of Violin and Bow Makers. David Fulton, the well known violin collector, is quoted as considering Hans Johannsson to be one of the best violin makers in the world today.