Specializations
Violins, violas, cellos
Restoration and repair

Sebastian Ribes was born in Mexico City in 1970. He began his violin making studies in the workshop of Masters Antonio Carriedo and Octavio Aranda in Xalapa, Mexico in 1991. He apprenticed there for two years, and then following his masters’ advice, he enrolled at the International School of Violin Making in Cremona, where he found himself immersed in the world of classical lutherie.

He attended the school from 1993 to 1997 under the guidance of Master Vincenzo Bissolotti. After obtaining his diploma, he apprenticed for Masters Francesco and Vincenzo Bissolotti for several years. During this period he acquired the knowledge and mastery of the method and technique to continue his craft independently.

Over the years, he has experimented with varnishes and has carried out research in acoustics;

he has collaborated with professional musicians and has exchanged ideas and experiences with other luthiers. These efforts have been instrumental in his journey to develop a personal style and his own characteristic sound.

He uses models of the classical Italian masters such as Stradivari, Guarneri, Ruggeri, Montagnana, G. da Salò and others. He employs well-seasoned traditional wood that has been carefully chosen on the basis of their physical and aesthetic characteristics.

He utilises the methods of the classical Cremonese masters, which is based on the internal form and involves purfling the instrument after the harmonic box has been closed.

He makes his own varnish based on linseed oil and natural resins like amber or Venice turpentine and colours it with warm-tones handmade pigments.

In 2021 he was awarded an honorable mention, obtaining the fourth place in the cello category at the Triennale competition of Cremona.