I played this (Hugh’s) beautiful, powerful violin for a few days with great enjoyment. It has both a sweetness and boldness of sound, which is equally evident on all four strings. The violin speaks quickly and with quality in fast runs, and is therefore very responsive in quick passagework, making it easy and reliable to play. Each string plays beautifully in the high registers, and the fingerboard setup is expertly done – it is comfortable and easy to play. I enjoyed the character of all four strings – the G string is full and rich, the middle strings are expressive and velvety, and the E string has brilliancy and sweetness.

I recently played three new violas by Australian luthier, Hugh Withycombe. The three different models impressed with their depth of sound and resonance. They also show great projection and clarity while allowing the player to use a variety of tone colours. The instruments are excellent value and will continue to grow and develop as they age and get the love they deserve.

I recently had the pleasure of playing one of Hugh’s newest violins and it was an immensely enjoyable experience! The sound of the instrument is warm and resonant and I found the the violin unusually responsive and vibrant; I was able to create nuances and colours across the whole range of dynamics with ease and fluidity. I can wholeheartedly recommend his craftsmanship to any musician on the lookout for a new instrument.

I have owned a handmade cello by Hugh Withycombe for over ten years. After an exhaustive search of Australian and European instruments, I settled on Hugh’s cello due to its powerful bass, lyrical middle-register, and silky high notes. The cello has been perfect for both chamber and orchestral playing, and everyone who hears it cannot fail to compliment its sound. The instrument is also extremely beautiful. Hugh’s dedication to his craft, and his attention to detail, is embodied in my cello. I could not be happier, and I highly recommend Hugh’s work to anyone seeking their ‘forever instrument’.

I played a violin made by Hugh Withycombe in 2020 for one year, and I can confirm its excellent craftsmanship and sound quality. The violin is remarkably well-balanced, making it easy to transition smoothly from one string to another. It’s highly responsive - whether playing pianissimo or fortissimo, it immediately adapts to your touch. The sound is warm yet projects well, and the precise positioning of the fingerboard makes it a pleasure to play. I’ve performed a wide range of repertoire, and I would particularly recommend this violin for romantic-period music, though it’s versatile enough for any style.

I loved playing Hugh’s latest viola. Though larger than my usual instrument, it felt instantly comfortable and responsive. The sound was clear and open, with depths of colour I could have happily explored for hours. It’s also a beautiful instrument to look at, with wide-grained spruce and poplar giving it real Brescian character. A really exciting viola that I’d recommend to any violist - it would easily support a talented and demanding player in any context. I can’t wait to try his next one.