Sandy Bottom Creek
Fiddles

The Maker

Hello, my name is Lutz Hamel and I have been building and repairing musical instruments for the better part of two decades.

In my builds I only use local, North American woods that have been sustainably harvested or reclaimed. For tops I usually use either Engleman spruce or Western redwood. For sides and back I typically use highly flamed maple or black walnut. One of my favorite combinations is a Western redwood top paired with a black walnut back. The resulting instrument has a sweet, mellow sound. My necks are usually carved from maple. The one exception is the fingerboard. I still tend to use the traditional ebony (responsibly sourced) but I am experimenting with other woods like rock maple and American persimmon.

My instruments are inspired by various folk traditions. The Celtic/nordic and Appalachian traditions tend to be my main influences.