A wonderful violin, most likely of Bavarian provenance, although I see possible French influence. In any case, this little beauty has survived the ravages of the ages. It has a terrific spruce top of narrow straight grain spruce, a gorgeous One-piece back of highly flamed maple, a solid ebony fingerboard, rosewood pegs (with pearl inlay accentuation), and there are pearl inlay accentuations in the volute as well. The restoration includes a Simeon Chambers bass bar and sound post. There are two unfortunate cracks that were sustained on the top, neither of which is near the bass bar nor sound post, and both of which have been nicely sealed. The strings are Helicore medium gauge, the tailpiece is a Wittner "space age composite" piece with four fine tuners, the same as I use on my own violins. The end pin is of lovely, antique bone.
This fiddle can sing! It has a robust yet warm tone, smooth, clear and with lovely overtones. The playability and intonation are without question, This is a wonderful violin for someone who wants to step up without going broke. I've play it in performance and found it to be right on.
**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.
**Furthermore, should you prefer a traditional ebony tailpiece or a different set of strings, that's no problem. Simply make me aware of that.
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.
PLEASE understand that sometimes in shipping a violin, the sound post may fall. This is because it is irresponsible to ship a violin under full string tension. Occasionally, with low string tension, the post may dislodge. It happens. If so, your local luthier should be able to re-install it in about 10 minutes! Just make sure, upon arrival, that your violin's post is standing under the right foot (treble side) of the bridge. If not, do NOT tighten the strings.