A violin-maker has created the world’s first vegan violin to be registered with The Vegan Society’s trademark – he spent five long years crafting the perfect, animal-friendly instrument.<br /><br />Mastercraftsman Padraig O’Dubhlaoidh had been approached to make the animal-free violin instrument five years ago, but now feels it is finally complete.<br /><br />He crafted the vegan violin in his Worcestershire-based workshop, putting countless hours of research into which materials would not only fit the vegan bill but be as durable as possible.<br /><br />Padraig, 65, said: “The vegan violin was someone’s problem which I accepted. I decided to try and make the best one I could.<br /><br />“I wanted to give violin players the chance to play together, despite their views.<br /><br />“I made my first one and tested it to destruction, but it’s only now that I feel confident to present it.”<br /><br />Craftsman Padraig has been a violin maker for the last 40 years, swapping a degree in electronics for violins after reading a book on their construction.<br /><br />“There was a book called violin making which gave some hints, it got me started. Building a violin is just a series of separate steps. Just focus on your separate elements,” he said.<br /><br />Violins are traditionally made using non-vegan materials – the glue used to bind various components together contains numerous animal products.<br /><br />Padraig said: “I’ve learned a lot from making the vegan violin. You would not believe the strange animal products used in the process, including the dried urine of buffalo fed on mangoes. Very odd.<br /><br />"The original glue is actually inconvenient to use, it makes it brittle, which is not what you want."<br /><br />Padraig’s efforts have led him to create a separate workshop dedicated to making vegan violins.<br /><br />He said: “I have two workshops at the moment. One is vegan with separate tools etc. It is the only way to ensure that violins there are fully vegan. I had to account for every material used in the sub-assembly.<br /><br />“It takes on average a couple of months, but they are bespoke instruments and everything is certified by The Vegan Society.”<br /><br />Ericka Durgahee, Marketing Manager at The Vegan Society, reacted to the announcement: “It’s incredibly exciting to have the world’s first vegan violin body registered with the Vegan Trademark. This will be music to the ears of so many violinists who have longed for a high-quality instrument that is free from animal products. Every violin is also completely bespoke with the sound and feel tailored to the player’s individual style and preference. Padraig has done a fantastic job and we’re extremely proud of what he has produced.”<br /><br />Padraig added: “I really hope that it brings more players in. I have had sad messages from people saying they wish they could play, but can’t.<br /><br />“Imagine having to compromise on your principles.<br /><br />“It’s a new thing and it might take a little while to get your head around it but hopefully we can help get people playing.”
