Luthier Vidal's 40th Anniversary

Dear friends, musicians, and music professionals,

It is with great pleasure that I write these words to you today. Forty years ago, I embarked on a project born out of a passion for a craft and a deep commitment to serving music. Today, four decades later, looking back brings a flood of memories and emotions, and above all, an immense sense of gratitude.

My name is Xavier Vidal, and I am a master luthier. In October 1986, after eight years of training, I decided to follow my own path and began offering my services as a luthier in a small workshop at 2-4 Elisabets Street in Barcelona.

Those were different times. There were very few luthiers, and music still enjoyed limited social and cultural recognition, partly as a result of the political and cultural circumstances we had experienced.

I started my business with very limited resources, but with great determination, enthusiasm and, above all, a deep commitment to serving music, culture and the craft.

From the very first day, I wanted to practise this profession with honesty, integrity, high standards and professionalism. These are values I have strived to uphold throughout the years, guiding every decision I have made along the way.

As you can imagine, over these 40 years we have experienced all kinds of situations and challenges, always sharing them with you, alongside musicians and music itself.

We have had to adapt to changing times and circumstances, always driven by the ambition to improve and develop our services to meet the needs of musicians, with creativity at the heart of everything we do. This has led us to continually expand the range of services we offer to the musical community.

What began as a small workshop dedicated to the restoration of string instruments — violins, violas and cellos — has grown and evolved over the years. We have expanded to include antique and contemporary instruments, bows, accessories, rental services, an online shop, instrument consultancy and certification, among many other services.

Behind every step we have taken, there has always been the same purpose: to continually improve in order to meet the needs of musicians, care for the instruments that bring their music to life, and contribute to preserving and enriching our musical culture.

This commitment has also led me to become deeply involved in promoting and defending the craft of the luthier. Over the years, we have had the opportunity to welcome luthiers from across our country and throughout Europe into our workshop, sharing knowledge and offering them a place to continue learning.

Seeing some of these individuals go on to establish their own professional projects has undoubtedly been one of the greatest satisfactions this journey has brought me.

I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity I was given to discover and learn this craft, which has brought me so much happiness. And from the very beginning, I have felt both the responsibility and the desire to share with others what was once so generously shared with me.

We have always tried to leave nothing to chance, and none of this would have been possible without all the people who have contributed, and continue to contribute, to this project. Through dedication, involvement and a shared commitment, we have always strived to provide the best possible service, paying attention to every detail and creating spaces where musicians feel welcomed and cared for with the respect and professionalism they deserve, as does our musical culture.

But if there is one thing I would like to highlight above all else, it is everything I have experienced and learned alongside you during these 40 years. Because music, beyond being culture and artistic creation, is above all a way of sharing emotions, feelings and, ultimately, our humanity. So much humanity.

Throughout these four decades, you have taught me far more than you could ever imagine. We have shared hopes, dreams, projects and experiences of every kind, sincerely, naturally, generously and honestly. We have lived through good times and difficult ones, always with empathy and respect.

You have given me the opportunity to accompany you throughout your education, your musical projects, your aspirations and, on many occasions, important moments in your lives. I have had the privilege of listening to you, understanding your concerns and putting my knowledge at the service of your music.

And today, as I look back, I realise that everything we have built over the years goes far beyond the instruments, the workshop and the services we have been able to offer. What truly matters are the people, the relationships and everything we have shared through music.

That is why I want to thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the respect you have always shown me, for the trust you have placed in me, for recognising all these years of dedication and for every expression of gratitude I have received.

Thank you for everything we have shared and for everything you have taught me, which has enriched me not only as a professional but also as a person. If there is one thing I know for certain after these 40 years, it is that this journey would never have held the same meaning without you.

With my warmest regards, and may we continue to resonate together through music.

Xavier Vidal i Roca

Barcelona, October 2026