Blade Strings
Meet Sam
Sam McLaren Blade
Instrument Specialist | Classical Music Advocate | Violinist and Conductor
Sam is a highly respected figure in the world of string instrument dealing, renowned for his expertise, deep knowledge, and unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards in the industry. He brings over a decade of experience working with a diverse clientele, from aspiring musicians to world-class soloists.
As the Director of Blade Strings, he offers bespoke instrument sourcing and consultancy services to musicians and collectors. He is a passionate advocate of the art of classical music, its practitioners, and its tools.
His journey began at Turner Violins in Nottingham where he worked alongside his university studies. At Thwaites Fine Stringed Instruments, he managed the sales, servicing and hiring of fine instruments, and gained invaluable experience in all aspects of the business.
In 2019, he joined the esteemed W. E. Hill & Sons, where he continues to be the firm’s Archivist. This position has allowed him to delve deep into the history of some of the world's most celebrated string instruments, including those by Stradivari, Guarneri 'del Gesù', Guadagnini, the Amatis, Montagnana, Vuillaume, and many others. His meticulous research has uncovered and corrected the histories and provenances of countless instruments, shedding new light on their origins and historical owners.
His passion for music extends beyond the commercial realm. A violinist himself, Sam spent eight years with the Kensington Symphony Orchestra, serving five of those years as Orchestral Manager and trustee, actively contributing to the organisation's success, and navigating the orchestra’s activities during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a Conductor, he has held the position of Music Director of the JP Morgan Symphony Orchestra for six years, conducting performances of iconic works such as Rimsky Korsakov's Scheherazade, Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique, and Tchaikovsky's 4th Symphony. Currently, he is a trustee of The Open String Project, a charity dedicated to providing access to free, conservatoire-level instruments to young musicians.
He regularly consults with violin businesses around the world, sharing his insights and guidance to help them navigate the complexities of the market.
Sam has worked alongside some of the world’s foremost contemporary violin and bow makers, and has sold instruments by Stefan-Peter Greiner, Robert Brewer Young, Jason Reitenberger, and new W. E. Hill & Sons instruments. He is passionate about new instrument making and represents luthiers from around the world.
A sought-after specialist, Sam frequently contributes to discussions and publications on a range of topics related to string instruments and he has been published in Strings magazine. His archival work provides insightful analysis on string instruments as investment assets.
As a technician, Sam learned tonal adjustment alongside Stefan Peter Greiner and Robert Brewer Young and has worked on countless modern and antique instruments. He has collaborated with luthiers, university professors, and renowned soloists to develop a vocabulary to aid the intricate dialogue between musicians, their instruments, and their makers. His experience as a violinist, alongside his decade-long collaboration with thousands of musicians, has taught him how careful adjustments and maintenance can unlock an instrument's full potential.
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