Nestled in the mountains of the Wasatch Front, Provo has a dry, high-mountain desert climate well-suited to making fine string instruments. Devon uses aged tonewoods from the Pacific northwest, Europe, and Asia, further aging them in this ideal climate. His knowledge and intuitive understanding precede the selection of the best pieces of wood for each instrument created.
After graduating from Brigham Young University with a degree in Industrial Arts, Devon became a craftsman of fine custom wood cabinetry and furniture. He added wood sculpting to his list of accomplishments. To his education at the Violin Making School of America he brought trained hands, disciplined creativity, and an innate sensitivity to and appreciation for fine wood.
Hand crafted instruments are a love affair between the player and the instrument. The instrument also assumes a great deal of the player’s creativity as he molds it to his musical expressions. Hand crafted instruments are made with better quality aged woods.
Devon says, “ I believe that when developing custom instruments for special orders, the maker further harmonizes the needs and desires of his customers with his own craftsmanship to create a truly unique instrument.”
Hokanson instruments are crafted with the minimum amount of wood for the maximum amount of strength. Tops and backs are fine-tuned to each other for the best possible sound projection. Extra care is taken in custom finishing each instrument; set up is meticulously controlled. And now, Josepi™ installation provides remarkable tonal resonance and playing vitality.
Devon will make minor adjustments to any of his hand made instruments for life. For futher information and an appointment to discuss a custom hand crafted instrument, or to select a model from Devon’s gallery of hand made or restored instruments, use our Contact page, and be sure to include your phone number and area code.
A hand crafted instrument is an investment because it improves in value, tone, and playability as it ages. Fine instruments provide inspiration for talented students to continue their studies because they significantly enhance the player’s ability.
| "I am now playing my third Hokanson viola. Devon was great to work with in shaping the instrument to my build and playing style. Recently, he applied the Josepi™ Process to my viola: the instrument became even more responsive, the sound broader and more vibrant, and the process cleared up the instrument's only wolf tone. I would recommend a Hokanson instrument— especially with the Josepi™ Process—to my students, my professional colleagues, and to every discerning player." | ||
Tyler H. Violist Fullerton, CA |
