Luthiery
Luthiery
The rosette is one of our favorite original designs, inspired by the shape of a tulip. The tulip is one of the most significant and recognizable elements of Hungarian decorative motifs, giving the design a special cultural meaning.
Our rosettes are used for historical instruments such as the viola da gamba and violone, and occasionally for double basses as well.
Our Instruments
Every instrument is a unique handcrafted creation, made with traditional luthiery knowledge, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep passion for the craft.
Baroque
We are Bíró István and Vajai Ferenc, the founders of BivajArt Luthiery.
Our workshop is located in Reghin, Romania, in the heart of Transylvania—a city widely known as the “City of Violins.”
We specialize in the handmade construction of cellos, double basses, and historical string instruments, including violas da gamba and violones. Every instrument is a unique handcrafted creation, made with traditional luthiery knowledge, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep passion for the craft.
Our instruments are available fully finished, professionally set up, and ready to play. They can also be supplied in stage condition, without setup, offering greater flexibility for workshops, music stores, and professional partners.
Since every instrument is made entirely by hand, our availability changes over time. Depending on current stock and individual requirements, we may occasionally have one, two, or even three instruments available.
The Origin of the Name BivajArt
The name BivajArt is a blend of two meaningful elements. “Bivaj” originates from the name Bíró and Vajai, reflecting our personal identity and creative presence. “Art” is a playful combination of the English words artisan and art, highlighting the handmade roots and artistic aspirations of the brand.
BivajArt is therefore more than just a name—it is a promise: unique, carefully crafted instruments in which personal story meets masterful skill.
Our Story
The Artisanal Craft Process
Selection and preparation of the wood
The production of our instruments begins with the careful selection of high-quality maple and resonant spruce. The wood is naturally seasoned for many years, allowing it to reach the appropriate stability, moisture content and acoustic qualities.
Processing and assembly
After the natural drying process, the wood is carefully processed. The top, back, ribs and neck of the instrument are prepared, shaped and finely finished. The individual parts are then precisely assembled, with particular attention to the instrument’s durability, playability and sound.
Depending on the type of instrument, we use various aesthetic and technical features, such as inlay work, decorative purfling, carved details or a rosette. These elements give each instrument a distinctive appearance while preserving its traditional handmade character.
Fittings and hardware
The fingerboard and tailpiece may be made from ebony or another special, including exotic, type of wood. The fittings and tuning machines can also be made from ebony or other exotic woods.
In the case of double basses, we use a metal mechanism whose individual components are almost entirely made and finished by hand. This is a solution we particularly appreciate because it combines reliable operation, durability and a distinctive appearance.
From these carefully selected materials and individually developed solutions, we create our unique instruments with great care and dedication. Each instrument reflects the natural beauty of the wood, the precision of traditional craftsmanship and our personal commitment to achieving an excellent sound.
Handcrafted Double Bass Varnishing – Using Natural Materials and Traditional Methods
The process begins with a pristine, white sanded instrument, which first receives a specialized primer coat. This foundational layer ensures proper wood protection and creates the ideal surface for the subsequent varnish layers to adhere perfectly.
Following this preparation, the actual varnishing commences, executed with great expertise and extreme care. We use exclusively top-quality, natural spirit-resin varnish from the renowned Joha brand, combined with natural colorants. The application is done entirely by hand using brushes, building up the finish layer by layer. Each coat must dry thoroughly before the next is applied, ensuring a rich tone and a durable, elegant surface.
This process is repeated until the desired shade and perfect topcoat are achieved. This traditional varnishing technique requires significant time and a high level of craftsmanship. Including the necessary drying times between layers, the entire process can take approximately two months to complete. In return, the instrument receives superior aesthetic and acoustic protection that only a hand-applied natural finish can provide.
