Kenneth’s Hand-Made Instruments

“Of all my endeavors, making represents the pinnacle of my craft. There is not greater satisfaction than making a beautiful sounding instrument and hearing it the hands of my customers.”

Kenneth E. Sullivan, Luthier

For professionals and serious students, Ken Sullivan's hand made violins and violas are among the best modern instruments available. Ken is known for his ability to produce instruments with superior sound quality. His instruments have won four awards for tone at the prestigious Violin Society of America's international competition.

The materials and craftsmanship that go into each Sullivan are superb. European aged-figured maple and spruce are used for the body, neck and scrolls. Willow is sometimes selected for viola and cello backs due its acoustical advantages. The oil varnish is handmade with a texture that both enhances the acoustics and highlights the beauty of the wood. The neck and fingerboards are carefully sculpted to ensure ease of fingering. By working closely with musicians, the quality of tone and quickness of response can be adjusted to meet individual needs.

Sullivan Violins was pleased to get two Sullivan Violas in the hands of two very talented sisters: Meredith and Rachel Kufchak. Meredith and Racel were featured on the NPR program "From the Top" and were each recipients of the Jock Ken Cooke Young Artist Award.

Meredith is majoring in viola performance at Rice University, The Shepherd School of Music, in Houston, TX. She studies with Ivo-Jan van der Werff. Rachel is majoring in viola performance at Rice University, The Shepherd School of Music, in Houston, TX. She studies with James Dunham.

Meredith and Rachel's father Greg says, "What we all have experienced from your instruments is that the tone is extremely well-balanced and consistent across the entire tonal range— not like so many violas where either only the upper two or the lower two strings speak well. The girls feel very privileged to have such fine instruments in their hands, and they are doing very well with them in their studies. Rachel recently shared a comment from her teacher, James Dunham, that she is playing 'beautifully and with pizzazz.'"

"My Kenneth Sullivan violin is a remarkable instrument in every respect. The response, tonal quality, projection and stability are a rare find in the old masters let alone in a modern maker."

Steven Staryk,
Former Concert Master - Chicago Symphony, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic of London,

Click Here to listen to Steven Staryk playing his Ken Sullivan Violin

"My Sullivan viola's consistent tone and response in all registers allows me to take on a wide variety of repertoire, and the sound spins very well. It has also won favor with pianists I've worked with; its big sound gives the pianist more dynamic options."

Adam Matthes, Graduate Eastman School of Music

2010 Award Winner

Johnny Ng, Eastman Master of Music Candidate, recently purchased Ken's 2010 Award Winning Viola
from the Violin Society of America's International Competition



Johnny Ng: "Thanks for the beautiful instrument Ken! I really appreciate your craft"

Currently Available

We have several of Ken's violins, violas and a cello available. Contact us for details about the specific instruments available at this time. Ken's full size violins are available for $12,000 - $15,000. His violas are priced at $15,000. The cello is available for $25,000.

Violins

Sullivan Violins: Ken's most recent violins are based on the P.G. Stradivarius model. This model provides particularly warm tonal qualities that project exceptionally well. Balanced across the upper and lower registers, these instruments will meet the most demanding requirements. Call us to inquire for a trial of one of these fine instruments.

 

3/4 Size Hand Made Sullivan Violin #15  Ken made a fantastic 3/4 size violin in 1987. It has been enjoyed by a number of talented young players who have used are trade back policy for a full size instrument. This instrument has a refined sound and features a beautiful Lombardi poplar back and a rich red varnish. Available for $5000, this is a wonderful step up instrument for a student that appreciates quality.

 

Violas

Sullivan Violas are known for their remarkable warmth, projection and tonal versatility. Ken's graduation techniques are key to creating the refined acoustics found in these instruments. These violas feature either a maple or a willow back providing different resonant qualities to meet individual preferences. Violists have been raving for years about the projection and warmth of Ken's violas. These violas enable the player to achieve a new level of expression. Ken offers his hand made violas ranging in size between 15 1/2" and 16 5/8".

 

Cello

After a long hiatus, Ken made a cello in 2009, and it is a resounding success. This cello has all the warmth, projection and clarity that a cellist could want. Willow back; dark brown varnish; if you’re looking for a performance caliber cello, you owe it to yourself to try this one.