On Indefinite Sabbatical From Violin Making
1994 VSA silver medalist
Manthos - 16 1/2 inch Da Salo model viola
Essentially unchanged for over four hundred years, the tradition of violin making continues to be an endeavor of painstaking patience and attention to detail. Jeff Manthos has dedicated himself to this pursuit. Jeff weds proven acoustic concepts with personal artistic style, creating beautiful instruments that are a pleasure to play.
After studying music and viola performance at the University of Northern Colorado and obtaining his Bachelor of Arts degree, Jeff enrolled at the renowned Violin Making School of America. Following four years of intensive study, including violin construction, varnish, instrument identification and violin history, he began work at the Thomas Metzler Violin shop in Los Angeles, continuing his study of master instruments, repair and restoration techniques.
Jeff later moved to Portland Oregon, joining the staff of the David Kerr Violin Shop. He continued repair and restoration work, and began learning the business side of running a large shop, ultimately becoming shop manager. Since opening his own studio, Jeff devotes all his time to instrument making. Using traditional tools, his hands-on approach yields genuine character and artistry, and avoids the excessive use of machine tools, which sacrifice individuality for expediency. Jeff takes as much time as needed to fully realize the potential in each select piece of wood. He makes his own varnish from traditional compounds and carefully applies it by brush. In the final phase of set-up, Jeff draws upon years of shop experience to render the instrument responsive and easy to play.
"I feel privileged to have found my life's work in violin making. With inspiration drawn from Brescian, Cremonese and Venetian makers of the past, I strive to bring something personal and unique to each instrument. I look forward to continuing the tradition in the new century." Obtaining an instrument from Jeff Manthos guarantees you expertise, quality and authenticity.
Member:
American Federation of Violin & Bow Makers, Inc
Violin Society of America
Current News
- September 2008
- Jeff has a forthcoming interview about his naval experiences in the Sea King helicopter appearing in the European aviation periodical Aeromagazin of Budapest, Hungary.
- May 2008
- Steel Beach has been selected by a Florida High School history class as literature of the Vietnam War era.
Oregon Book Awards book tour reading:
May 8th - 7:00 p.m.
Harney County Public Library,
80 West D Street, Burns
Oregon Book Awards book tour reading:
May 9th - 7:00 p.m.
Crossroads Art Center,
2020 Auburn Street, Baker City
Features the 2007 Oregon Book Awards authors. More info at WGEO
May 20th - LECTURE- cancelled.
Will be rescheduled, check for update.
Jeff will discuss his writing process, the nature of creative nonfiction, the power of words and the story within each of us.
Oasis Senior Center,
Valley River Center, Eugene. - April 2008
- Latest manuscript- Planet Chemo completed and submitted to agents and publishers.
- February 8th, 2008
- LECTURE- Jeff Manthos shares his experience during the Vietnam War era and his writing process, 1:30pm, Willamalane Center, 215 West C St., Spfd. 736-4444. FREE.
- December 2, 2007
- Finalist in the Oregon Book Awards for creative nonfiction. Literary Arts
- April 2007
- Published release of Steel Beach (Inkwater Press).
Contact information
Street: 3110 N.W. Taylor AvenueCity/State: Corvallis, OR 97330
Phone: 541-754-7645
E-mail: jeffmanthos@sprintmail.com