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We’re delighted to welcome Sam McLaren Blade from London to the Sydney String Centre from 11-13 October. Sam is the Head of Sales and Archivist at W. E. Hill & Sons and brings an incredible wealth of knowledge in fine instruments and bows.
During his visit, Sam will be displaying four exquisite fine violins for sale, as well as a selection of bows, including from the distinguished W. E. Hill & Sons workshop. He will also be offering insurance valuations and archive citations for W. E. Hill & Sons items.
This is a rare chance to connect directly with an international fine instrument specialist, explore outstanding violins and bows, and access professional valuation and certification services. Sam will only be here for three days, so be sure to book your trial, insurance valuation or archive citation today by clicking the link below.
CLICK HERE TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT
Fine Violins: 100-200k
These four exquisite fine violins will be available for trial and purchase during Sam's visit - A rare opportunity for discerning musicians and collectors to examine and trial a premium and handpicked selection.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TRIAL
Italian Violin, certified by Florian Leonhard as School of Ceruti, Cremona, c.1840
Italian Violin by and labelled Riccardo Antoniazzi, Milan, 1897, modelled on Nicolò Amati’s ‘Grand Pattern’
English Violin by and labelled Charles and William Voller, London, 1898, copy of Ferdinand Gagliano
Italian Violin by Gaetano Sgarabotto, Vincenza, c.1910, copy of Grancino, formerly the possession of a well-known English collector
Fine Bows for Trial: 10-20k
Explore a curated showcase of violin, viola and cello bows, including from the distinguished W. E. Hill & Sons workshop.
W. E. Hill & Sons stands as one of the most distinguished names in the history of violin making and expertise. Established in London in the 19th century, the Hill workshop earned international renown for its meticulous craftsmanship, scholarly research, and unrivalled knowledge of the world’s greatest instruments, including those of Stradivari and Guarneri.
The Hill name became synonymous with excellence, producing bows, cases, and fittings of the finest quality, while also serving as trusted custodians and certifiers of history’s most important instruments. Today, pieces bearing the Hill mark are regarded as treasures—testaments to a legacy of artistry and refinement that continues to inspire musicians and collectors.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TRIAL
Valuations
Book a one-on-one session with Sam to have your instrument professionally valued for insurance.
Fee: $500
BOOK IN FOR A VALUATION
Archive Citations
For W. E. Hill & Sons instruments and bows, and for instruments with historical connections to W. E. Hill & Sons, Sam can provide an official archive citation (researched in London).
Fee (starting at): $1,000
BOOK A CONSULTATION
About Sam McLaren Blade
Sam is a highly respected figure in the world of string instrument dealing, renowned for his expertise, deep knowledge, and unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards in the industry. He brings over a decade of experience working with a diverse clientele, from aspiring musicians to world-class soloists.
As the Director of Blade Strings, he offers bespoke instrument sourcing and consultancy services to musicians and collectors. He is a passionate advocate of the art of classical music, its practitioners, and its tools.
His journey began at Turner Violins in Nottingham where he worked alongside his university studies. At Thwaites Fine Stringed Instruments, he managed the sales, servicing and hiring of fine instruments, he gained invaluable experience in all aspects of the business.
In 2019, he joined the esteemed W. E. Hill & Sons, where he continues to hold the positions of Head of Sales, and Archivist. This position has allowed him to delve deep into the history of some of the world's most celebrated string instruments, including those by Stradivari, Guarneri 'del Gesù', Guadagnini, the Amatis, Montagnana, Vuillaume, and many others. His meticulous research has uncovered and corrected the histories and provenances of countless instruments, shedding new light on their origins and historical owners.
Sam's expertise extends beyond W. E. Hill & Sons. He regularly consults with violin businesses around the world, sharing his insights and guidance to help them navigate the complexities of the market. He is also a frequent collaborator with J & A Beare, offering support for high-end instrument sales.
Sam has worked alongside some of the world’s foremost contemporary violin and bow makers, and has sold instruments by Stefan-Peter Greiner, Robert Brewer Young, Jason Reitenberger, and new W. E. Hill & Sons instruments. He is passionate about new instrument making and represents luthiers from around the world.
A sought-after specialist, Sam frequently contributes to discussions and publications on a range of topics related to string instruments and he has been published in Strings magazine. His archival work provides insightful analysis on string instruments as investment assets.
As a technician, Sam learned tonal adjustment alongside Stefan Peter Greiner and Robert Brewer Young and has worked on countless modern and antique instruments. He has collaborated with luthiers, university professors, and renowned soloists to develop a vocabulary to aid the intricate dialogue between musicians, their instruments, and their makers. His experience as a violinist, alongside his decade-long collaboration with thousands of musicians, has taught him how careful adjustments and maintenance can unlock an instrument's full potential.
His passion for music extends beyond the commercial realm. A violinist himself, Sam spent eight years with the Kensington Symphony Orchestra, serving five of those years as Orchestral Manager and trustee, actively contributing to the organisation's success, and navigating the orchestra’s activities during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a Conductor, he has held the position of Music Director of the JP Morgan Symphony Orchestra for six years, conducting performances of iconic works such as Rimsky Korsakov's Scheherazade, Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique, and Tchaikovsky's 4th Symphony. Currently, he is a trustee of The Open String Project, a charity dedicated to providing access to free, conservatoire-level instruments to young musicians.