Custom Wooden String Instruments
Handmade fiddles and lyres have a way of bringing you back to a simpler time. There’s something breathtaking about the natural beauty—and the music—that can be coaxed from a carefully chosen piece of wood.
At Cook Craft, I’m best known for building and restoring wooden canoes and classic boats, but I also enjoy smaller fine-wood projects, including custom paddles, snowshoes, acoustic guitars, fiddles, and lyres. These instruments are built with the same mindset I bring to boatbuilding: craftsmanship, durability, and a finished product meant to last for generations.
Crafted with Select Canadian Woods
For my instruments, I hand-select woods for strength, stability, and tone. Common materials include:
Hardwoods (structure & beauty)
- White ash
- Mahogany
- Figured maple
Resonant softwoods (soundboard & warmth)
- Ontario select spruce
- Cedar
By combining traditional lutherie principles with proven woodworking methods, I build custom wooden string instruments with distinct character, rich sound, and a refined finish.
Custom Lyres: Beautiful Sound, Easy to Play
Lyres are a wonderful choice if you want an instrument that sounds beautiful without a steep learning curve. My handmade lyres are designed to be approachable for beginners while still offering the tone and craftsmanship that experienced musicians appreciate.
Commission a Custom Instrument
If you’d like to bring Cook Craft craftsmanship into your home, consider commissioning a custom fiddle or lyre. Each piece is handcrafted with care, built for long-term playability, and finished with close attention to detail.
Have questions about options, wood selection, pricing, or timelines? Reach out anytime—I’m happy to talk through your idea and help you plan a custom build.
Contact Us Today!
About Us
Here at Cook Craft, I offer people in Muskoka and across North America a unique look at woodworking with custom canoes, classic boat restoration, and fiddles and lyres.
Hours of Operation
By Appointment