I read this site daily but don't often post. My husband is a luthier and specialises in lutes, rebecs, baroque violin, psaltery, considered early music instruments all built in Australian Timbers but I also I know a little about the classic musical instrument situation in Australia and it’s not so good as it was some years ago and a lot of luthiers are making ends meet doing repairs and stringing bows. Most new violins were supplied to the school orchestra and beginner market but the Chinese have over the past ten years, refined their instruments and today you can purchase a reasonable violin for $300 and a rather good violin for under $1000. So I would suggest you perhaps give your idea of making violins/fiddles a great deal of consideration. I do think however you will have a much better chance of success making guitars, they are a personal and individual buy not a school body purchase. As someone stated in an earlier post a lot of instruments made here are in native timbers so there may be a bit of a learning curve in getting to understand the Australian timbers though I am sure you will find someone who will point you in the right direction. You can still buy European Timbers but they can be expensive.
The foremost guitar manufacturer in Australia is Maton Guitars www.maton.com.au
I don’t want to sound defeatist, there definitely will be work around for good guitar makers but just wanted to let you know some of the problems you may encounter. If you need info on Australian Timbers let me know my husband is very knowledgeable and there will be sites on the net giving some detail.
Here are a couple of blogs/sites you may find interesting: Robert Deitrich is a friend who makes instruments in Geelong (Robert was greatly affected by the upswing toward Chinese imports he hasn’t sold a violin or cello for three years!!!)
http://middlething.blogspot.com.au
Also if you Google Australian guitar builders/makers it will give you an insight into the industry in Australia.
Big long sorry, hope its helps a bit
