For the last thirty years, I have been working as a violin and guitar maker at my home here in the hills above St. Ann's Bay on Cape Breton Island in Canada's Nova Scotia. Although I specialize primarily in violins and secondarily in guitars, I have on occasion also turned my hand to mandolins, harps, and various other stringed instruments.

My instruments are all individually crafted, one at a time, with care and respect -- based on original designs, but built with an eye to the deep traditions that inform the luthier's art.

To explore this site, click on one of the links at the bottom of the page. The Photo Gallery will offer photos of some of my finished instruments. The other links will provide a "behind the scenes" tour of my workshop. The section titled "Reflections" will present a few personal thoughts on lutherie and how I view my work.

I treat my work as a continuous exploration and experiment. Although I have learned much in the last 30 years or more that I have been involved in this work, I only become more aware of the mystery that is so much a part of its appeal. Each instrument is unique. Every piece of wood has its own secrets, and new ideas and insights are constantly brought to light.

I build about 10 to 12 instruments a year, each for a particular customer. Rather than having standard models and pricing, I prefer to take each order individually to consider the various options of design, materials, and decorative details. 

Because I keep booked ahead with orders, waiting time for an instrument can be up to a year or more-- payment of a small deposit will reserve a place in my work schedule.

For more specific information, please contact me by clicking on the e-mail link at the bottom of the page, or you can write to me by post at:
    
Otis A. Tomas

R.R #4 Baddeck
Cape Breton Island
Nova Scotia
Canada B0E 1B0