He started out as a hard rocker, but these days Z.Z. Ludwick is playing to the tune of Rebbe Nachman. Now his hands create song from wood and string, while his soul sings the music of ancient wisdom
ANCIENT MUSIC NEW LIFE Zev Zalman (“Z.Z.”) Ludwick shares that one of the most meaningful facets of his job is bringing the voice of an old instrument back to life (Photos: Esky Cook)
L udwick’s House of Violin as the name suggests is just that — violins everywhere (and a cello here and there) overtaking many a room of Zev Zalman (“Z.Z.”) and Sherrie Ludwick’s cozy home on a tucked-away side street in Silver Spring Maryland.
Z.Z. 53 the very unassuming multitalented heavy-metal rock star-turned-luthier/owner graciously welcomes us at the front door wearing a black baseball cap that covers his closely shaven head. His long salt-and-pepper beard would suit a rebbe or an aging rocker — take your pick — but not his long twirled Breslov peyos which fall to the top of his black work apron.
Unfinished Andrei Dinu violins made in Romania line the wall of Z.Z.’s showroom — a converted bedroom sporting whimsical curtains with musical staves and notes. After varnishing he will precisely plane the fingerboard to the appropriate arch cut the bridge and install the hardware and sound post. It takes between 250 to 300 hours to build a violin from scratch. Student instruments the cheapest violins he sells are priced at $1 300 to $2 000.
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