Welcome to my site. I am an instrument maker and student of maker, Keith Hill. I am incredibly fortunate to have been able to study with Keith and to develop a friendship over the last 20 years, and I owe so very much to Keith for taking the time to teach me the craft of acoustics and harpsichord making. As Keith is no longer taking orders for instruments, my aim is to carry on his legacy by building harpsichords, clavichords, and fortepianos that meet the high acoustical standards that Keith has strove for throughout his career.
Please feel free to peruse this site for recordings and pictures of my instruments. This site is very much under construction, and more resources will be added as time permits.
I was fortunate enough to recently receive a testamonial and recordings from the owner of my Opus 1 instrument, Martin Riccabona. Thank you so very much Martin for providing these to me:
I came by Matt Sullenbrand‘s op.1 two-manual-harpsichord after Taskin rather by accident, if accident it was. After the first few notes it was clear that this was one of the best instruments I had ever laid my hands on. Subsequently I bought the instrument and my love has grown ever more during the years. One inevitably fails in describing sound with words, nonetheless I would like to praise this harpsichord’s tonal personality, its singing higher register, round fundamentals and astonishing dynamic range. I call myself lucky to have such a beautiful companion for my work as a musician. Learning that after a break of several years Matt has now taken to instrument building once again is a reason for me to celebrate. I can only highly recommend the work of this highly talented and accomplished builder to all colleagues out there!
Martin Riccabona (Linz/Austria)
Organist and harpsichordist, Professor of organ at the University of church music in Bayreuth/Germany
J.S.Bach, Goldberg Variations, Aria, performed by Martin Riccabona
J.S.Bach, Goldberg Variations, Variation No. 6, performed by Martin Riccabona
J.S.Bach, Goldberg Variations, Variation No. 10, performed by Martin Riccabona
J.S.Bach, Goldberg Variations, Quodlibet, performed by Martin Riccabona