About

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Born into a musical family in Santa Clara, Cuba, Alex Loskutov was raised in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia. While he began studying the violin at six, Alex found his musical calling several years later when he accompanied his father to the workshop of a local luthier. After this fateful introduction to the scents and sights of varnishes, oils, beautiful instruments, and aged wood, Alex’s fascination turned into an apprenticeship. He visited the workshop weekly and began learning the basics of woodworking and the art of violinmaking.

After graduating from conservatory, Alex pursued his career as a professional violinist, but never lost sight of his dream to become a luthier. In 2002, he enrolled in the world-renowned Civica Scuola di Liuteria di Milano in Italy, where he graduated as a Master Luthier under the guidance of Luca Primon, Isabella Streicher, Gabriele Negri, Claudio Canevari, Marco Imer Piccinotti, and Carlo Chiesa. During his study in Milan, Alex attended many important seminars, including instrument setup by Guy Rabut, sound adjustment by Bruce Carlson, varnish retouch by Hans Nebel, and varnish antiquing techniques by Samuel Zygmuntowicz.

While studying in Milan, Alex was invited to work with the internationally renowned luthier Mathijs A. Heyligers in Cremona, Italy. During that time, he had the privilege to work and study with many of the finest instruments available as well as the opportunity to refine his restoration and construction techniques. When Alex moved to the US, he continued to attend workshops: bow making with Rodney D Mohr, bow restoration with David Orlin, and varnish retouching with Stacey Styles.

Since opening his shop, Alex has had the privilege of working with renowned musicians such as Anne Akiko Meyers, Midori Goto, Martin Beaver, Clive Greensmith, David Geringas, John Walz, Daniel Shindarov, Etienne Gara, Ambroise Aubrun and members of the LA Phil.

 

Philosophy

 

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Throughout my studies and personal work experience, I developed my own creative approach to instrument making. Each instrument is precise and unique in form and sound, utilizing the classical construction of the Italian method and combining both antique and contemporary styling. My instruments undergo meticulous sound testing and adjustments before reaching the musician’s hands. Each instrument is precisely set up and maintained for optimum playability and tone. I select only the finest quality wood available to pursue the finest sound and highest aesthetic for each instrument.

Inspired by the great Italian masters such as Amati, Gasparo da Salò, Antonio Stradivari, Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù, and many others, I use ancient recipes and historically available materials to enhance the acoustical structure of each instrument’s natural voice. I strive to create high-quality contemporary instruments with a delicate and antique touch. My performance career and experience as a professional violinist allow me to deeply understand the qualities and requirements of a fine instrument from a musician’s perspective. As a luthier, I combine my knowledge of music, art, science, and woodworking to create a string instrument’s warm, rich, and powerful sound. My art is a constant study and exploration that inspires and propels me towards perfection.