Vladimir Lutzev (1951 - ) was born in Sverdlovsk, what is now Yekaterinburg, Russia. He studied instrument making in Moscow under Victor Nikiforov, the master luthier in residence at the workshops of GosTeleRadio USSR. Lutzev went on to have seven of his own apprentices and specializes in complicated restorations. He has won several awards including 3rd prize in Sofia, and 2nd at the 1st Ukrainian Violin Making Competition in 1995. 

This Lutzev violin from 2007 demonstrates refined craftsmanship, most notably through the outline and volutes of the scroll, and precision of the purfling. I believe it to be an incredible value; this is simply one of those must-try instruments for a serious musician with a limited budget - competitive against instruments priced significantly higher. It boasts a singing, lyrical quality that is as compelling as it is clear and powerful.