About

Sam McLaren Blade is a violin dealer and consultant with over a decade of experience working with a diverse clientele, from aspiring musicians to world-class soloists playing Stradivari. As the director of Blade Strings Ltd., he offers bespoke instrument sourcing, sales, and consultancy services to discerning musicians and collectors. He holds the titles of Head of Sales and Archivist at W. E. Hill & Sons, and prior to that, as Shop Manager at Thwaites Fine String Instruments.

Sam's passion lies in the rich history and provenance of fine Italian instruments, particularly those from the English school of violin making. He is a sought-after expert, frequently writing and speaking on topics such as:

• Instrument History and Provenance: Delving into the lives of legendary violin makers and collectors.

• String Instruments as Investments: Analysing the unique qualities that make these instruments valuable assets.

• The Musician-Instrument-Maker Dialogue: Exploring the intricate relationship between player, instrument, and luthier.

• Violin Optimisation: Maximising the potential of an instrument through careful adjustments and maintenance.

• The Nuances of Sound: Dissecting the subtle qualities that define a great-sounding instrument.

Recent archival research has focused on the extraordinary life and collections of Richard Bennett, a connoisseur who owned over 25 Stradivari and 12 Guarneri del Gesú violins.

In addition, Sam is an accomplished violinist and conductor. He is a regular member of the Kensington Symphony Orchestra, where he has served as Trustee and Orchestral Manager. He studied conducting alongside his Music degree at the University of Nottingham and currently conducts the J.P. Morgan Symphony Orchestra.