Testimonials
Clients are family to me. I take as much pride in the work I do as in the musicians I serve. I am very grateful for their comments and feedback
“Itzel has an eye for detail and her work is meticulously performed. Itzel also regularly has the best materials at hand such as for quality bow re-hairs or a selection of bridges with outstanding resonance. Not the least, the violins made by Itzel display remarkable tonal properties, projection lending itself to chamber music and solo work, evenness across all strings, and ease of playing in addition to beautiful and precise crafting. Sometimes, when waiting for a new set-up, or the finishing touches to some job, she will make you the best coffee ever.”
“It has been an absolute pleasure playing Itzel’s violin. Her work is truly marvellous and beautifully done. Itzel also provides an excellent after-sales service. She is very prompt in replying all your queries and makes your journey to find the right violin smoother and easier! I am fully satisfied with her amazing instrument and after-sale service”
“I purchased the violin Momo, made by Itzel, in 2017. I love this violin - the craftsmanship is exquisite and the sound is bright and expansive yet sophisticated. Itzel puts a lot of love and care into her instruments.”
“Itzel, I absolutely love my 5 string violin that you built for me. Thanks for all the thought and care you put into tailoring it to my specific style. It sounds amazing, and plays like a dream! Also I really appreciate the support you give me with violin check-ups and bow rehairs. I feel like I am in very good hands! ”
“Itzel has a great attention to details and the same high level professional approach to every single instrument, no matter if it is a student violin or a Strad from your grandma’s attic! ”
“Each one of her instruments is carefully and beautifully crafted. Each one has a name since each one is like an individual with distinctive personality, sound and image. My cello, Inés, was born in 2011. Ever since we are a duo. It has a rich and compelling sound and is incredibly comfortable. With this instrument I teach, and I explore the large repertoire we have played together.”
“Whether it’s a rehair, a new bridge, or dismantling my cello to repair a rib crack (oh new music.....), I’ve come to appreciate Itzel’s splendid craftsmanship over the past six years. Seeing her at work puts me at ease, knowing my cello and bow are well taken care of. Upgrades and adjustments are a delight as Itzel is always generous with her time. Testing and explaining new and old tech, seeing how they will benefit my cello and evolving sound. She is thorough and abundantly patient as I hunt for my desired timbre, or while tracking down a phantom buzz! (An update on this shortly.)”
“Itzel is a virtuoso and an artist. Her attention to detail and her craftwomanship has astonished me since the day I brought my violins to her for some fixes. In a short time, I felt I could trust Itzel completely with any instrument or bow concern that I had. I was looking to try some instruments and heard she built her own, so I asked to try a couple. I fell in love with Cistello, who is now my trusty companion.
Itzel takes care of instruments and clients like they are her family! It brings me great joy to know that I, along with Cistello, have a “for life”relationship with Itzel!”
“Working with Itzel, over the years, has been an amazing experience. She created an instrument with a beautiful tone and with specific modifications to suit my preferences. I also enjoy her openness to explaining more about her craft, giving me useful guidance regarding string choices for my particular violin, as well as more efficient ways of caring for my instrument.”
“Itzel is not only a master craftsperson, but an empathetic and special artist with the rare quality of understanding 100% the needs of each musician. Her own instruments are not only technically flawless but works of art in their own right. An incredible knowledge of sound and the art of possibility enables her in getting the best from any instrument or bow - helping us as instrumentalists as we strive to achieve our voice.
Itzel has helped me numerous times and always with patience and kindness, immediately setting me at ease as we worked together to achieve a fabulous result. I am truly thankful to have met her and will always recommend her as a luthier, a restorer and someone that all string players can count on to help in whichever way they need.
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“Since 2014 I have been playing on Luna a wonderful violin made by Itzel Avila. I still remember the first time I saw Luna. I felt a strong attraction to this violin because of it’s unique shape. And as soon as I played the first sound I knew this violin will change my performance in a very profound way! The sounds is powerful, warm and has a strong projection. I also love the physical part of playing with Luna since it is very comfortable. Thank you so much to Itzel for creating such an amazing violin!”
“When my elderly violin and bow needed long-overdue maintenance I was very lucky to have Google introduce me to Itzel. After Itzel’s careful and skilled adjustments, my instruments assumed a new and much more vibrant life. My violin’s timbre is now brighter and displays enhanced confidence. It’s tone is richer and fuller with additional colour. It is now happier and more fun to play and, not surprisingly, I play it more often.
Itzel’s knowledge, craftsmanship and affection for her work are readily apparent. I can’t think of anyone more able than Itzel to coax a magical, new sparkle from a tired instrument.”
“During a lesson my teacher thought that perhaps my violin needed a bit of adjustment, as the sound was nice, but he felt there was something missing and recommended that I bring it to Itzel. Meeting Itzel and having her look at the instrument and make adjustments was the best thing that could have happened. I had always enjoyed the sound of this particular violin, however I had no idea that it could have such a broad range of colour, projection and depth after Itzel replaced the post and bridge. There are Luthiers, and then there are Master Luthiers and Itzel is a Master of her craft.”