This instrument is part of our 7th annual Contemporary American Makers Exhibition, 2024

Charles Rufino, born in New York in 1952, has been immersed in the art of the violin since 1974. His apprenticeship at the Newark School of Violin Making in England included periods of study at the great London workshops of J&A Beare, and W.E. Hill & Sons.
 

He returned to New York in 1977 for further training in violin making and restoration under V.Y. "Nigo" Nigogosian. In 1980 he traveled to Chicago to begin a four year association with Carl Becker & Son of Chicago, personally assisting Mr. Becker in the creation of a number of Becker instruments.
 

In 1984 Charles Rufino opened his own studio in New York making violins, violas, and cellos, and working actively with leading musicians. Today his instruments are played in orchestras across the United States, from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra to the Santa Barbara Symphony. You can learn more by visiting the website dedicated to his work: www.rufinoviolins.com
 

His extensive studies of traditional violin making and related cultural topics have given him a unique perspective and Mr. Rufino is an active teacher, lecturer and consultant. In 1986 he helped Nigo Nigogosian establish the now world-famous Oberlin Restoration Workshop and was the staff lecturer. Charles Rufino has delighted audiences for years with his witty and enlightening illustrated lectures, including his Art and Lore of the Violin, a journey through time and cultural history.  One of his more recent projects was an invitation by the Yamaha Corporation to assist in the design and development of a new violin.

Charles Rufino has a strong commitment to education. In 1995 he established The Long Island Violin Shop to share his expertise with string teachers and their students. He is a longtime member or the String Industry Council of the American String Teachers Association.

Charles Rufino was elected to full membership in the American Federation of Violin Makers in 1989 and the International Society of Violin and Bow Makers in 1994, among numerous other professional affiliations. Mr. Rufino is a longtime resident of Huntington, New York, where he lives with his wife and daughter. He enjoys playing the viola in a community orchestra so that, like Bach, he can be "in the middle of the harmony."
 

Fine Violas

Charles Rufino’s violas rival the masterpieces of the great Italian makers of the 18th Century. The variety found in the viola allows him to create instruments with superb beauty of tone. His violas display great responsiveness, clarity, and a focused tone whether at ppp or FFF. They can deliver the power and projection needed for orchestral or solo settings, as well as the colorful and subtly tonal character more suitable for chamber music. A Charles Rufino viola offers an elegant and flexible tone couple to unparalleled playing comfort to the player.
 

As flexible as his violas are, it’s important to note that no one instrument can do all things perfectly for all players. To meet the requirements of different musicians, he offers his Studio and Soloist models. Additionally, if you desire a particular outcome, you can discuss them with Charles, who will be happy to collaborate to create a custom instrument to suit your unique preferences.
 

Handmade Violas
 

Charles Rufino’s fine violas are beloved by classical musicians for their unparalleled tone and playability. From the earliest steps of designing a new viola through the final stages of varnishing and setup, his unwavering focus on the needs of the player result in superb instruments with marvelous tone and are comfortable to play. His unremitting attention to detail ensures the violist will have the security of an instrument that will never let them down. The resulting freedom in performance is why demanding professional musicians in New York know and trust his instruments, which are regularly featured in live concerts, recordings, film scores, and radio and television broadcasts.
 

As delightful as these handmade violas are to play, they are also beautiful to look at. Charles uses the finest aged tonewood to create one-of-a-kind works of art. A varnish made by Charles himself is applied to enhance instrument tone and created an object of lasting visual beauty. A Charles Rufino violin is handmade with love and crafted to be cherished for lifetimes. They are an excellent choice as a primary instrument or as a companion to give your antique instrument a rest.
 

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