Jacob Brillhart aims to build violin family instruments that are both exciting to play and are also objects of sculptural beauty. From his shop in central Vermont, Brillhart builds both violins and violas with carefully selected European wood. It is his goal to make instruments that possess a strong and powerful voice and display intricate and delicate craftsmanship. To achieve this, he shapes every piece entirely by hand. With each stroke of chisel or knife the unique characteristics and subtleties of each piece of wood become revealed. Brillhart also enjoys playing the Cape Breton style fiddle and performs regularly around northern New England with his family trio.