Philip Ihle was trained in Cremona and worked thereafter for five years at Wilhelm Geigenbau in Switzerland. Since 2005 he has been working for Florian Leonhard in London. During these years his concentration has moved from restoration to the making of copies of fine old instruments with the occasional making of a missing scroll or table for some fine instrument.
Philip Ihle is very passionate about fine old violins and is very lucky to work in one of the world’s leading establishments in dealing and restoration of these exquisite instruments. Restoring, servicing and copying some of the most precious instruments on a daily basis, has allowed him to grow a deep understanding of what makes them so unique.
Exchange has always been one of the ways to keep the fun up for Philip. Throughout his violin making career he has organized and joined in various instrument making sessions and conferences. He has had the pleasure to work alongside several other esteemed luthier’s such as Jan Spiddlen, Niel Ertz and Boris Haug for short and intense making sessions.
Philip Ihle’s knowlege is appreciated by his collegues internationally. He has been invited by the Association of the Swiss Violin and Bow makers and the British Violin Making Association to present one of his favorite subjects; the Purfling.
Apart from the fundamental aspects of violin making, a clear vision of sound and a disciplined approach in the choice of wood and modeling are crucial to satisfy the needs of the most discerning performers. Philip’s instruments are very well received and are used by professional musicians from all around the world.