Violinmaker

She grew up in Cressier, between Lakes Biel and Neuchâtel, in a creative and artistic family. Perhaps it was this, or perhaps her own nature, that meant she has always loved working with her hands, particularly on activities that require meticulousness, precision and patience. Through her violin studies, she discovered violin making and, captivated by it, she immersed herself fully in this world of craftsmanship and music at the Brienz School of Violin Making. In 2018, she obtained her violin-making certificate with distinction and began her professional career. Since then, she has continued to deepen her knowledge of violin-making and restoration, as well as her experience in customer advice and sound adjustments. First at Reiner Oetiker’s workshop in St Gallen, then in Biel at the De Coulon & Louis Lutherie workshop, which she opened in 2024 in Biel’s old town with Théo Louis.

Contact info@inesdecoulon.ch

Guitar- and Lutemaker

Annette grew up in Bern in a family that encouraged her, from childhood onwards, to explore creative and musical projects. Guitar lessons opened the door to the world of plucked string instruments for her, a passion that remains with her to this day. In secondary school she built her first guitar, unaware that she would continue to devote herself to it intensely after her A-levels and her first profession as a joiner. She took a three-year course in instrument making, specialising in plucked-string instruments, at the Civica Scuola di Liuteria di Milano, which she completed in 2023. During her final year of training, she built a theorbo as her advanced project, which deepened her fascination for lute instruments. Since 2024, she has been making and repairing plucked-string instruments in her workshop in Biel whilst continuing to work as a joiner at the BFH AHB, also in Biel.

Contact info@annettevonfischer.ch

Doublebass builder

Théo Louis grew up in La Neuveville, on the shores of Lake Biel, in a musical and creative environment. Even as a child, he was always curious about how things were put together; he wanted to understand what holds the things around us together at their very core. Fascinated, curious, and insatiable, he learns from all the artisans he encounters along his life’s journey. After completing his training as a wood sculptor in Brienz, Théo Louis worked for three years at the children’s circus Circolino Pipistrello, where he was able to fully apply his musical talent and craftsmanship. In 2022, he enrolled in the Jazz School in Bern to devote himself entirely to the double bass and composition. In 2023, he worked as a double bass maker with his uncle, Pierre Louis, as well as with Bänz Oester as part of Bassboutik in Bern. Since August 2024, he has been building and restoring double basses in the old town of Biel.

Contact info@theolouis.ch