The choice of an antique, contemporary or tailor-made instrument depends on the musician’s personal preference. For this reason several instruments made in the workshop are always available in addition to a limited but high-quality range of antique instruments and bows (see instrument gallery).

The strength of contemporary violin-making lies in the direct contact between maker and musician. This is why Thomas Meuwissen prefers to work on commission. Confidence, consultation and co-operation are of crucial importance when creating a tailor-made instrument that satisfies all the musician’s desires, such as range of sound, size, model, style, varnish, finish, etc.

Since the musician is able to follow the building process from A to Z, the purchase of a new instrument is not a leap in the dark but a joint project in which the expertise of both parties is of importance. In addition to this there is a two-week approval period for every new instrument. Only after this does the musician take the final decision to purchase or not.

This is not the end of the line however. Two years of free maintenance after purchase enables the violin-maker, where possible, to keep track of the instrument and to continue to refine it and keep it in top condition. An instrument is made by its maker but is shaped by the musician who plays it and will continue to develop its identity and timbre over the years. This makes it essential to extend the cooperation between violin-maker and musician for the first few years after purchase.