Antique German Violin, provenance unknown, 4/4 size (FFE-008)

There is nothing like old wood. This is a wonderfully crafted antique German violin, most likely turn of the (20th) Century or a little earlier. The top consists of nicely matched, very straight medium grain spruce. The ribs are a consistently-figured maple, and the (one-piece!) back is of a stunning swirled maple figure. The fingerboard is old ebony, tight-grained, clean and smooth. Don't even ask what ebony of that quality would cost today.

The pegs and end button are ebony with gold-style decorative pins, the tailpiece is a Wittner carbon graphite piece with gold-style 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.

Repairs on this violin include a bushed G peg hole, as well as re-voicing, which includes a new bass bar, re-graduation of top and back to proper thicknesses, new sound post, new bridge. Unless otherwise noted, re-voiced violins are equipped with bassbars and sound posts made from tonewood master Simeon Chambers' 60-year-old Engelmann spruce. It's the best! All seams and cracks (lower left bout) have been properly closed and are guaranteed by my shop. Strings are D'Addario Zyex. 

TONE: This violin has a smooth, woody tone with great projection. The instrument's playability is a real plus, along with evenness of power and tone across the strings, sweet clean highs and good but not overwhelming growl in the lows. The A string is particularly well rounded.

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/X3noRH8MzIo

**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.

PLEASE NOTE! There is no free shipping to Alaska or Hawaii or to countries other than the United States.

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.