American Violin, Contemporary, 4/4 size, some Provenance (FFA-012)

There are three violins listed under the "American Violins" category that were made by the same maker. This is one of them. They came to me by way of his widow. He was an amateur maker in Missouri. I regret that I do not know his name; however, as an amateur he did some things right and some things quite wrong. However, I could see that the potential for a great violin was in each of the three violins. This particular violin is as light as a feather. The top is a beautiful, narrow-grain spruce, with maple ribs and two-piece maple back.

A lot of work has been done on this fiddle, including re-graduation, new bass bar, and a complete proper set-up, which includes a new bridge, D'Addario Zyex strings, ebony nut, fingerboard and pegs and a highest quality sound post. The tailpiece is a Wittner carbon graphite piece with tuners built in. These new "space-age composite" graphite tailpieces are terrific. They are light, bring out tone, and are very well constructed. The tailcord is a Wittner steel tailcord. I use them on my own violins. They never stretch, are very light and thin, improve tone, and are very very strong.

Also, this violin has rubies set into the end of each volute (on the scroll), the end pin and on each peg key. True, they are laboratory rubies, but they are lovely.

Tone:  Needless to say, tone can be a very subjective perception. I can only relate to you what I hear both as a player and a listener. The tone is sonorous, woody, round, clean, open, projecting and warm.The violin plays very smoothly. If you are looking for a bright or edgy sound, you will NOT find it in this fiddle. 

Sound Sample: Please be forbearing and keep in mind that I am no Paganini! This was recorded with a humble iPhone; if you do not have a sophisticated sound system on your computer, try to use headphones so that you can hear as much as possible what is being played. https://youtu.be/SIs87nI_Aaw

**As a rule, we do not include chinrests when a violin is purchased. We've found that customers are very picky about that, as they well should be. There is nothing worse than an uncomfortable chinrest. Many players prefer their own chinrests, and there are hundreds of different models out there. If you are a brand new player or someone who would be happy to receive a "Guarneri style" chinrest, we will include one at your request.

TERMS OF SALE: Filius Fiddles, LLC guarantees all violins sold are functional and playable right out of the box. Any repairs done on the instrument are guaranteed upon arrival, less any abuse or negligence on the part of the owner. Starting from the date of delivery, you have two weeks during which to try out your new fiddle, let it settle in, make any string changes if so desired, and play it in different venues so that you can get a good idea of its ability. Should you care to return or exchange it during that two-week period, no problem! The buyer pays for return shipping. As long as there is no change in the integrity of the instrument, no sign of negligence or new damage, a full refund will be sent.

Also, after that two-week period, should you wish to exchange the violin for one of equal or greater value, that is doable. Simply contact me and we can make that happen.