Materials
Whenever possible, natural materials are used.
Wood: well-seasoned hardwoods, such as maple, pear, box, service tree, dog rose, cherry, walnut and plum, are used. These are obtained from local sources whenever possible.
Horn: for mouthpieces and reinforcing rings black buffalo horn is used; exceptionally this is replaced with ivory nut or ivory substitute (synthetic).
Metal fittings are generally made from brass but they can also be made from silver for an additional cost.
The instruments are impregnated with a mix of linseed oil and turpentine.
Light wood such as maple is sometimes stained. As a matting agent for such wood we use shellac.