The Violin man in Sai Kung
As you enter Ngai Violins – that saw light in Sai Kung in 1993 – you are greeted with rows upon rows of warmly hued acoustic violins. Going towards the back of the shop is Mr. Ngai Tin Wai’s workshop. At first sight, chunks of wood and violins in the process of completion give the space a disorderly look, but one cannot deny the personality that exudes from the place. This is after all the birthplace of much sought after violins. Mr. Ngai is often to be found here, working and restoring these four strings instruments. He specializes in full size violins, he explains, “they qualitatively last longer”.
As you enter Ngai Violins – that saw light in Sai Kung in 1993 – you are greeted with rows upon rows of warmly hued acoustic violins. Going towards the back of the shop is Mr. Ngai Tin Wai’s workshop. At first sight, chunks of wood and violins in the process of completion give the space a disorderly look, but one cannot deny the personality that exudes from the place. This is after all the birthplace of much sought after violins. Mr. Ngai is often to be found here, working and restoring these four strings instruments. He specializes in full size violins, he explains, “they qualitatively last longer”.
Working on one of the bout parts while talking about his profession and passion, he smoothes the surface of the wood. Long curly stripes emerged from timber and are meticulously peeled off. His hands move over his work gently but firm. He spoke about how he made the transition from a primary music teacher to violinmaker, the latter took up all his interest and he actively pursued a career in that direction. While he learnt and perfected his skills in violinmaking, he taught people how to play the instrument to make end’s meet.
He no longer has to worry about that. Continuous orders for restoration stream in from all over the world: America, Russia, Italy, Eastern Europe… the list goes on.
Though he is in business 5-6 days a week, you’ll often find the “closed” sign on the door. It doesn’t mean he isn’t in, only engrossed and focused on what is happening in the workshop. You wouldn’t find him on Sunday though; he will be at the church where he occasionally conducts the choir.
Currently, he has 10 more orders to finish. On average he produces 4 violins a year. He usually completes an order in 3 to 5 years time. “5 Years isn’t really long,” he explains.
I ask him why people are willing to wait 5 years for a violin. A gleam appears in his eyes, “I’ll show you.” Going to the middle room, he examines a string of violins. Then he picked one out – one not made by his hands – and plays a melody of intricate tones. As an amateur it was easy to be impressed, but the sound gave me chills – the good kind – and amazed me. He then hangs the violin back and took another reddish example in hand from another selection.
And this time when he played the hair on my neck stood up. The air was electricity. The sound this violin creates was warmer, richer, had depth and was penetrating. That one, he made. I immediately understood why people are willing to wait years for his violins.
In 2003 he invented (discovered) a way for his creations to reverberate a new acoustic. Only handfuls were able to achieve this feat in the last 150 years, such as one of the forerunners in violin acoustic history, Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume (1798-1875).
Violinmaking is not a dying art, but many often don’t reach the level of expertise Mr. Ngai is at. He has a dozen pupils who assist him - learning the craft - while there are many courses in the States instructing the interested in the art of violinmaking. The prerequisite of being Mr. Ngai’s pupil? Genuine interest and knowing how to play the violin. If you don’t, that’s fine. He will teach you if he has to.
Nevertheless, there aren’t many violinmakers left in Hong Kong who constantly strive to reinvent or progress their instruments. Mr. Ngai is the only in Sai Kung. Although he is accomplished, the master of violinmaking is always looking to improve himself. Whenever he brings out a new model he would invite his close circle of expert friends and treat them to a little demonstration and performance.
He also composed and released two publications with self-composed hymns to be sung in Chinese.
His violins do not come cheap, and if you order one to be made instead of choosing from the shop you may need to wait a few years. But Mr. Ngai does not measure success in such terms. Success, to him, is when good musicians use his violins. It’s the sense of appreciation by other recognised violinists that is most rewarding!
Mr. Ngai Tin Wai
Ngai Violins, G/F, 26 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung.
Tel.: 2792 9199
E-mail:
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