David Burgess has won more violin making contests of truly international scope, won them more consistently, and won them against a greater number of competitors than not only any living violin maker, but any violin maker in history! Never before has a maker, during his lifetime, established such a large body of expert consensus about the tonal, artistic and functional merit of his instruments.
He has been designated "hors concours" by both the Violin Society of America and the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers, meaning that he is no longer allowed to compete in their violin making contests by virtue of acknowledged excellence.
Was the first American to win the "Stradivari" International Instrument Making Competition in Cremona, Italy, commonly known as the "Cremona" competition.
Subsequently served as a judge at the Cremona Violin Making Competition.
Served as a judge several times for the Violin Society of America International Violin Making Competitions.
Served as a judge for the China International Violin Making Competition in Beijing.
Served as a judge for the Moscow Competition.
Instrument in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C.
Instrument in the permanent collection of the Stradivari Museum in Cremona, Italy.
Teacher and program director in the Oberlin College/VSA stringed instrument program.
Member of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers.
Member of the Entente Internationale Des Maitres Luthiers et Archetiers D'art. (Both organizations have rigorous standards for membership.)
Served on the Board of Governors of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers.
Featured in articles in the Wall Street Journal, Strad magazine, as well as numerous other periodicals, newspapers, TV and radio broadcasts.
Contributor to "Strad" magazine.
What's the big deal about violin making contests?
Are old violins better than violins by a living violin maker?
Who actually makes Burgess Instruments?
Is there any integrity in the violin trade? (Auction price manipulation and other dirty tricks)
What about violin makers who antique or make copies?
Messiah Top (click to enlarge) |
Messiah Back (click to enlarge) |
A short video clip of a Burgess violin in a live performance
Article on David Burgess by the Violin Society of America
Proper Humidity, Very Important For Your Instrument
What Kind Of Person Do You Want To Deal With? Old-Fashioned Ideas About Marketing Etc.
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Significance of Contests
What About Copies?
How To Check Your Hygrometer
Humidity and Your Instrument
Where's the integrity?
Marketing Strategies
Old Versus New
Humidity Control Products
The Sound
The Varnish
Article by the Violin Society of America
Who Actually Makes Burgess Instruments?
Silly links the web designer stuck in here