What do you do when you’re the five-times world-record-holding fastest violinist? You create 24-carat gold-plated violins. Duh! At least that’s what Ben Lee has done along with his other FUSE half, Linzi Stoppard. The rock violin duo entrusted British jewelry designer Theo Fennell and bespoke violin manufacturer Bridge to craft the world’s first-ever 24-carat gold-plated violin encrusted with sapphires, rubies, and diamonds.
The golden violins took over nine months to create and have a bespoke blend of carbon and Kevlar to offset the weight of the gold plating. “The art and science involved in making each violin have blown us away. Entirely new and original components had to be designed for the instruments, plus new electronics have had to be engineered to counteract the conductive 24-carat gold. They are exceptional pieces that we will treasure,” exclaimed Lee proudly.
Individually handmade and exclusive to Fuse, these incredible instruments have been insured for over $22m. Glistening at a value of $2m each, the two violins were launched to the world’s media at the Theo Fennell boutique, Chelsea, London. They will be unveiled there to the public later this month before they are taken on tour to America and Asia. Added Stoppard, “Ben and I fly all over the world to play live rock violin, and in every destination, we put on a spectacular show. The thrill of playing with these new gold violins is something I can’t describe.”
[Fuse Via Classic-Fm]
