Restoring that '90s Pulp sound

Violin-maker works on Russell Senior's instruments ahead of festival tour

As the original members of Pulp reform for a summer tour of European festivals, Newbury luthier and violin-maker Philip Brown has been working on guitarist/violinist Russell Senior's instruments in his Northbrook Street workshop.

The Sheffield band, fronted by Jarvis Cocker, have announced a series of festival appearances including Reading, Leeds, Isle of White, T in the Park, London's Wireless and Spain's Primavera Sound.

“Having worked on the violins for Russell Senior in 1996, I was recently asked to do the same again,” said Philip.

“It's been fun – a little weird in a funny sort of way, as we are recreating something from the past, a bit like a historical performance.

“This resonates with what I do in some areas of my business, like making period bows for baroque players, forexample.

“I'd looked around all the gear in the rehearsal room and was struck by the fact that 20 years ago this stuff was then already 20 years old and now the technical team were desperately coaxing it back to life.

“I thought ‘pop' music is now just music, but even that has now become so much of the past.

“There were times when Russell would ask me for a way of improving his technique or make a technical change, and I just thought, yes, I could say this or do that, but in the end don't we want it to be like a 1995 soundscape?”

Pulp formed in Sheffield in 1978, establishing a cult fanbase before breaking into the mainstream with their 1995 single Common People. They headlined the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival twice. Their 2011 appearances will be the first time the classic Pulp lineup of Nick Banks, Jarvis Cocker, Candida Doyle, Steve MacKey, Russell Senior and Mark Webber have played together since 1996.

Following the award of a distinction in musical instrument technology from the London College of Furniture, Philip set up Philip Brown Violins in 1984. Initially making lutes, he went on to make violins and celli, enhancing his restoration and repairing skills. He has a strong interest in baroque bows and bow making.

www.philipbrown-violins.co.uk