Antique German Violin, provenance unknown (FFE-010)

The age of this violin is estimated at approximately 100 years, plus or minus. It is a wonderfully preserved, most likely German (but not Saxon) violin. There is no label. It appears to be along the lines of a Stradivari model.The top is of a consistently straight and very narrow grained spruce. The ribs, two-piece back and neck are of a finely figured tiger-stripe maple. The varnish is in very good shape and is of a medium to dark reddish brown finish. The violin is light and well carved, with a very nicely shaped scroll. Everything about this violin speaks of quality. A 14 karat heart-shaped charm has been set into the tailpiece with jeweler's rosin.

This violin has undergone re-graduation, new bass bar, and a complete proper set-up, which includes a new bridge, Pirastro Tonica strings, ebony nut, and a high quality rosewood fingerboard, pegs and end pin. 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. 

TONE: I'm amazed every time I pick up this violin to play. It is light. But more importantly, it has such a clean, big sound, and it plays quite smoothly. It is almost as if it wants to do what you want. The tone is expansive, the note separation is excellent, the sound is evenly distributed across the strings. The low strings are vibrant, powerful and sonorous, the high strings are clean, sweet and bell-like. The tone has settled between dark and bright in a very balanced way.

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/PmIZcuKjbqQ

**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.