Violins
From Italy
Violins
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Violins
From France
Violins
From Germany
Violins
From America
Violas
Violoncelli
Professional-Quality
Contrabasses
The acquisition of an artist-quality stringed instrument can be a frustrating experience. In our opinion, the best means to minimize those frustrations is to try two, even three, instruments side-by-side. Yes, we always have a small selection of late 19th. / early 20th. century violins in our collection and encourage a client to have us send two or three violins, of similar price, to them “on approval”. A small security deposit is required, but full payment for the entire shipment is not required.
Those considering the acquisition of an artist-quality violin, viola, cello or string bass might be interested in our
opinion concerning value and pricing. The value of any stringed instrument depends, in our opinion, on many different
factors:
* Condition of the instrument. Any stringed instrument that’s sustained damage to the top and especially to the back,
will have a lower value than an instrument in pristine condition.
* Size is often crucial to determining value. The ideal length of back for violins is exactly 356 mm. A violin that’s
too big or too small will often have a lower value.
* Cheaper stringed instruments have not had the attention given to the proper voicing of the top and backs of the
instruments. Many of today’s “better” violins have tops that are often 5 or 6 mm thick. Instruments that have the best
sound are those that have tops and backs that have been hand-carved by the maker to “Stradivarius dimensions”: about 2.5 mm
under the bridge, a bit thinner toward the edges and 3 or 3.2 mm where the top and back is glued to the ribs. Proper
voicing is time-consuming, but results in a violin that has the finest tone quality.
* The actual maker of the instrument is, arguably, the most important factor in determining value. Please remember
that 99.99% of the “Stradivarius” violins in the world wear labels that are false. There are NO “unknown” violins by
Stradivarius, Guarnerius, Maggini, Amati, or Stainer. There ARE a few quality German and French violins that bear these
labels and also those of the maker.
Gary, Beryl and Jonathan Ray are the principals of a small musical instrument emporium located in the center of the USA. In business since 1953, we’ve had the same owner since 1963.
Our specialty is better-quality French violins of the first half of the 20th. century. We’re very particular about items we acquire for our clients and give special consideration to violins that have sustained minimal damage or serious repairs.
We maintain a repair department capable of restoration work of the highest quality. Even though repairs are essentially “free” and part of our warranty for the first two years, after that period has expired, we remain at your service to maintain and repair your musical equipment forever. It’s our “service after the sale” promise and has been since 1953!
Anything we sell can be sent to you for a short approval period without obligation. The customer is responsible for shipping and insurance and must pre-pay back to us any freight and insurance charges on returned equipment.
International shipping is available. Returned items will be refunded within 3 weeks of receiving the item. We’re happy to send any instrument “on approval” for ten days, but ask the prospective buyer to pay shipping both ways on any returned item.
VISA/MASTERCARD/DISCOVER/MONEY ORDER/CHECK/WIRE TRANSFER ACCEPTED. Credit cards not accepted from some countries and we must ship to the credit card billing address with exceptions made at our discretion.
H-18VN, Claudio Testoni, Mantova, 1992. After twelve years as
apprentice and worker in the Italian workshop of Mario Gadda, Testoni established
his own one-man firm about a decade ago. He builds ten or twelve instruments
per year. Our violin has a handsome one-piece back of broad figure, the
varnish of a rich red-brown color. Testoni prefers violins of the Scarampella
pattern, including this instrument. The condition is excellent and without
cracks or damage. Length of back is 355 mm. Accompanied by the original
certification from the maker.
SOLD
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K-13VN, Colin G. Nicholls, Northolt, 1993, marked "CGN". Only
a few miles from Heathrow airport, Colin Nicholls builds but a handful
of superb violins each year. His eleven years as violin maker and restorer
with W.E. Hill and Sons show clearly in this instrument. The two-piece
back is of pronounced medium flame, the varnish is a dark red-brown color.
Spending much of his time with the restoration of old Italian instruments,
Mr. Nicholls has the unique opportunity to study the Cremona masters and
to learn their secrets. Instrument "CGN" has a back length of 355 mm. We
consider Colin Nicholls to be the best of the modern British makers.
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P-01VN, An English violin by Colin G. Nicholls, London, 1999. One piece back
of medium flame, the varnish an antiqued amber to reddish brown color. Modeled after the work of
Francesco Ruggieri.
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G-10VN, Arnold Voigt, London, 1890. The first of the Voigt family
to settle in England, Arnold Voigt quickly gained the reputation of skillful
violin maker. Our violin shows expert workmanship, an attractive two-piece
back of medium figure and a golden varnish. This is not a typical German
fiddle, but rather a quality English violin from the last decade of the
19th. century. Condition is very fine, one small professionally repaired top crack under the chin-rest..
Length of back is 359 mm. Certification from Dario D'Attili.
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G-13VN, Charles Adin, Manchester, 1886. This maker gets an absolutely
terrible write-up in the Henley Atlas and we can't understand it. Our violin
shows attractive wood to the two-piece back, a good red-brown varnish and
purfling and scroll that are actually well-done and attractive. And the
sound is resonant, being that which you would expect in a more expensive
instrument. The condition of our violin is very good, with but one small
F-hole crack, old and well-repaired. Back length is 360 mm. Ignore the
Henley Atlas, this is a quite decent violin!
$3500
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W-02VN, Superb and rare violin by Alfred Vidoudez, Geneva, 1912,
a copy of a “decorated” Stradivarius (ref: Ashmolean Collection, Oxford)
commissioned by a M. Courvoisier (said to be a principal of the Cognac firm,
in France). This particular instrument has come to us in pristine condition,
wearing 100% of the original dark red varnish, no cracks or damage of any kind.
Born in Geneva in 1879, Alfred Vidoudez won gold medals at a number
of international competitions. As the Henley Atlas notes, “Every detail of the design
shows perfect knowledge. Tonal quality has a refreshing abundance
of brilliance, clearness and smoothness.” Back length is 356 mm.
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T-02VN, A good French violin by Charles Resuche, bearing the original label
“F. MEYNIEU, Luthier, BORDEAUX / Charles Resuche / Eleve de Gand et Bernardel / Fecit Anno 1902,
No. 124”. Signed on the inner table “A Meynieu / Ch. Resuche / Bordeaux 24 Juilliot / 1901.”
Born in Mirecourt in 1858, Resuche studied in Mirecourt with Gabriel Didion, later in Paris with
Gand and Bernardel. The two-piece back is of birds-eye maple, ribs of similar wood. The scroll is
of maple of medium flame, is outlined in black. The table is of spruce of medium grain. The varnish
is red-brown color on a golden base, lightly craqueled and of oil base. The instrument has come to us
in pristine original condition, without cracks or damage of any kind. Back length is 358 mm. It’s a
handsome and unique French instrument embodies all the characteristics we expect of high-quality turn
of the century Paris school violin. Accompanied with certification of authenticity from Colin G. Nicholls. SOLD
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W-18VN, A superior French violin by Victor Audinot, bearing the original hand-written label:
“Georges Baillot, Paris, 1907. Violin dessine et const d’apres le method de Bagatella (Padoue 1789),
l’appreciation mathirielle de jardin a il faite. Vtr. Audinot Luthier a Mirecourt, (signature) V. Audinot, 1907”.
A century later, we’re mystified by the transaction which seems to have taken place between the garden-builder
Georges Baillot and the luthier Victor Audinot. Was the instrument a gift to M. Baillot or was there perhaps some
sort of violin trade for services involved? The bottom line is that it’s a superb instrument from the first decade
of the last century that’s come to us in pristine original condition. The Henley Atlas gives the maker a sterling
report, as well. “…each instrument made entirely by hand and by a maker who commendably considers quality supreme to
quantity. Perfect modeling and varnish…always beautiful material, and its picturesqueness arrests the eye of even
experienced judges.” Our violin wears double-purfing to the table and back, is finished a supple red-brown oil varnish
that we call “the varnish of the Paris School”. The two-piece back is of maple of narrow flame, the top of spruce of
somewhat irregular and straight grain. Back length is 357 mm. Weight, without chin-rest, is 408 grams.
The instrument has come to us in pristine original condition and is offered with Colin G. Nicholls certification.
We give this particular instrument our top recommendation. SOLD
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U-02VN, A superior French violin by Georges Cherpitel, bearing the original label: “Georges Cherpitel /
Paris – Mirecourt (Vosges) / annee 1935 , No. 7516”, the date and number plus the signature of the maker signed
on the label in brown ink. One-piece back is of maple of medium flame, the top of spruce of narrow and straight grain.
The varnish is of orange / amber color on a golden base. Back length is 356 mm. Weight, without chin-rest,
is 422 grams. The instrument has come to us in pristine original condition, without damage of any kind.
Colin Nicholls certification. Apprenticed and employed by his father, ex Gand luthier Nicolas Emile, Georges Cherpitel
left the family workshop three years after his father’s demise. In 1896 he joined the Couesnon firm where he was
in charge of their Paris workshop. Both the Henley Atlas and the Vannes Dictionnaire give him and his father
glowing reports.
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V-03VN, A fine French violin by Charles Quenoil bearing the original label “Charles Quenoil / 8 Faub. St. Denis /
Paris, 1937 / No. 33". The back is of two pieces of maple of broad irregular figure, the table spruce of narrow
grain, widening considerably to the flanks. The oil varnish is of a red-brown color. Back length is 352 mm.
Weight, without chin-rest, is 390 grams. The instrument has come to us in superb original condition.
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T-30VN, A good French violin from the workshop of Amadee Dieudonne, bearing the original label:
“Fait a Mirecourt / par le Maitre-Luthier / Amedee Dieudonne / en 1949”, and signed on the label in brown ink
“No. 428A”and “D’après Antonius Stradivarius ”. Brandstamped “Amadee Dieudonne just above the label and
signed by the maker in ink on the back, just below the label. Dieudonne violins are often in our collection
and this one is a very good example that’s come to us in pristine condition. The two-piece back is of maple
of wide flame, the top of spruce of narrow and straight grain, widening slightly to the flanks. The varnish is
of quality, a rich golden amber color. Back length is 356 mm. Weight, without chin-rest, is 414 grams.
SOLD
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A good French violin from the workshop of Amadee Dieudonne, bearing the original label:
“Fait a Mirecourt / par le Maitre-Luthier / Amedee Dieudonne / en 1931”, and signed on the label in brown
ink “No. 428A”and “D’après Antonius Stradivarius ”. Brandstamped “Amadee Dieudonne just above the label
and signed by the maker in ink on the back, just below the label. Dieudonne violins are often in our
collection and this one is a very good example that’s come to us in pristine condition. The two-piece
back is of maple of wide flame, the top of spruce of narrow and straight grain, widening slightly to the flanks.
The varnish is of quality, a rich golden amber color. Back length is 354 mm.
SOLD
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W-19VN, A good French violin bearing the label: "LUTHERIE ARTISTIQUE / Louis HEQUIN" c. 1930
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W-05VN, A good French violin bearing the label: "ATELIER E. LANGONET / LUTHIER - NANTES - L'AN 1931"
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T-34VN, A good French violin from the Paris workshop of Caressa and Francais, bearing the original
label: “Fait sous la Direction de / Caressa & Francais / Luthiers du Conservatoire / 12 Rue de Madrid a Paris ”,
and signed on the label in brown ink “1919”. One-piece back is of maple of wide flame, the top of spruce of
narrow and straight grain, widening slightly to the flanks. The varnish is of chestnut amber color. Back length
is 356 mm. Weight, without chin-rest, is 416 grams. The instrument has come to us in pristine original condition,
without damage of any kind. This is not a “modern copy” or a “violin bearing the label of Caressa and Francais”,
but is a totally authentic violin of the Paris school, built in the workshop of master luthiers Felix Albert Caressa
and Henri Francais, in the first quarter of the last century.
SOLD
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W-14VN, a fine French violin from the workshop of LaBerte-Humbert Freres, bearing the label:
"Laberte-Humbert Freres / Mirecourt / 1934 / No. 7116 / Exposition Internationale Bruxelles 1910 / GRAND PRIX",
and a second label "GRAND PRIX / PARIS 1931 / Exposition Coloniale". Back length is 356 mm.
SOLD
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A good French violin from the workshop of Amadee Dieudonne, bearing the original label: "Fait par Amedee Dieudonne, Luthier/ Revu et mis au point par Ch. Enel/a Paris 1926". Dieudonne violins are often in our collection and this one is a good example that's come to us in superb original condition. The two-piece back is of maple of narrow flame, the top of spruce of narrow and straight grain. The varnish is of quality, red-brown color. The top has never been removed (for repairs) and there are no cracks or breaks to the wood. We find it interesting that early instruments from the Dieudonne workshop were made in Mirecourt, then sold through his dealer "Charles Enel", in Paris. Back length is 354 mm. Weight, without chin-rest, is 394 grams. Tonal quality, as with many French instruments, is clear and bright...perfect for orchestral playing. Recommended for the spirited amateur or the advanced student. $7,650
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A good French violin by Georges Apparut, bearing the label "Fait par G. Apparut/en 1948 No. 614". Back length is 356 mm. Weight, without chin-rest , is 430 grams. The two-piece back is of narrow irregular figure, the top of spruce is of very narrow grain. The instrument still wears the original bridge. The oil varnish is dark red brown over a golden base coloring. This particular example came to us in very good original condition, without any damage or cracks of any kind. The certificate of authenticity from the maker, which accompanies the instrument, states that it was made entirely by hand of old wood, using oil varnish. According to John Dilworth's book The Brompton's Book of Violin and Bow Maker's, Georges Apparut was known to have made instruments that were "very well executed and a high degree of finish." Rene Vannes also makes mention that Apparut won several national and international awards for his work; "En 1925, il obtint le diplome d'honneur au concours du meilleur artisan de France, 3 ans apres, le Grand Prix et en 1929, le diplome de grande medaille d'or (Mention: Hors Concours)." Tonal quality, as with many French instruments, is clear and bright...perfect for orchestral playing. This particular instrument is recommended for the advanced student. $4,850
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O-24VN, a French violin of quality, workshop of Auguste Delivet, bearing
the label "sous la direction de A. Delivet, Luthier, Ex-Ouvrier de H.C.
Silvestre, Paris, 1910". Two-piece back of medium figure, the varnish
lightly antiqued and of a red-brown color. No cracks or damage,
good Stradivarian model with a strong voice. Back length is 358mm.
$4650
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A good French violin from the workshop of Laberte-Humbert Brothers, bearing the original label: “Fait sous la
Direction / de / Marc LaBerte / Maitre Luthier / Mirecourt (Vosges) France / No. 488” also bearing a second label
“Grand Prix / Paris, 1931 / exposition coloniale” plus a third label “Copie de / Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis
faciebat anno, 1721”. Two-piece back is of maple of medium flame, the top of spruce of narrow grain. The varnish
is of bright red-orange color. Back length is 352 mm. Weight, without chin-rest, is 408 grams. The instrument
has come to us in pristine original condition, without damage of any kind. Colin Nicholls certification.
SOLD
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W-15VN, a good French violin from the workshop of Laberte-Humbert Freres, bearing the label:
"Fait sous la Direction de / Marc LaBerte / Maitre Luthier / Mirecourt (Vosges) France / No. 607 / 1933"
with the date and number written in black ink. Back length is 355 mm, and weight without chinrest is 428 grams.
Varnish is of a medium red-orange color. Two piece back of medium flame Vosges maple. Top is spruce of narrow
grain, widening slightly to the flanks. The violin has no cracks or damage of any kind.
SOLD
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P-09VN, A SUPERB FRENCH VIOLIN BY THEODORE HUSSON, CIRCA 1890.This particular instrument has come to us
in virtually pristine original condition. The label reads “Medailles d’or & d’argent, E. BONNEL, luthier, Rennes”.
Made during the period that Theodore Husson was working for Bonnel’s shop in Rennes, our violin is signed on the
upper inside table by the name of the maker. The brandstamp of the maker is just under the tailpiece button,
but is nearly illegible. Our violin has a two-piece back of broad Vosges mountains maple and the one-piece top
is of of narrow grained spruce. The scroll is particularly well cut and is outlined in black, as are many of the
better French instruments of the late 19th. Century. The violin is totally without cracks or any sort of damage
to the wood and wears new bridge, pegs, fingerboard and bass bar.
$3500
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T-11VN, A fine French violin by Jean Larcher, bearing the label “LUTHERIE D’ART / Jean LARCHER,
Maitre-Luthier / ingenieur des arts & métiers / No. d’ordre:173, annee 1928” plus a second label
“Manufacture Francaise / d’armes et cycles de Saint-Etienne / SAN STEFANO / violons d’artistique / fabrication Francaise”.
The one-piece back is of narrow irregular figure, the top of spruce of narrow grain widening to the flanks.
The varnish is a clear red-brown color. Back length is 359 mm and the instrument weighs 442 grams without chin-rest.
This particular example has come to us in pristine condition, without damage or cracks of any kind.
$3250
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U-06VN, A good 7/8 size French violin from the Jerome Thibouville-Lamy workshop in Mirecourt, circa 1935,
bearing the labels “Charles Buthod / Luthier” and “Jerome Thibouville-Lamy & Cie. / Luthiers / 68 bis a
72 Rue Reaumur / Paris". The bridge is stamped “Colin G. Nicholls”. The back is of two pieces of Vosges
maple of medium figure, the table of narrow grained spruce, widening slightly to the edges. The varnish
is of a red-orange color on a golden base. Back length is 348 mm. Weight, without chin-rest, is 414 grams.
No cracks or damage to the wood, some varnish scratches under the bridge. The instrument has come to us in
otherwise pristine original condition.
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W-30VN, A good French violin from the 1920’s or 1930’s, bearing the labels “modele apres /
Nicolaus Amatus Cremone / Hieronymi filii fecit, An 1651” and “Manufacture Francaise
/ d’armes et cycles de St. Etienne. / VIOLINS San Stefano / Lutherie Francaise”. Two-piece back of broad figure,
ribs and scroll similar. Top of spruce of fine irregular grain, the varnish an orange-yellow on a golden base.
It’s come to us in very good original condition, without cracks or damage to the wood. Back length is 358 mm
and the violin weighs, without chin-rest, 425 grams.
$2850
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T-04VN, A good French violin from the Jerome Thibouville-Lamy workshop in Mirecourt, circa 1950,
bearing the labels “d’ après / Nicolaus Amatius Cremoniea Heroni - / mi Filius Antoni Nepos fecit 1676 / (JTL logo) /
trade mark / deposee” and “d/après N. Amati / J. Thibouville-Lamy / Made in France". The bridge is stamped “C. Bayon
a Rennes”. The back is of two pieces of Vosges maple of medium figure, the table of narrow grained spruce,
widening slightly to the edges. The varnish is of a red-orange color on a golden base. Back length is 359 mm.
Weight, without chin-rest, is 458 grams. One of the last of the JTL violins from Mirecourt, this instrument has
come to us in pristine original condition.
$2650
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S-15VN: A good French violin of the Mirecourt school, made about 1930, bearing two labels:
“Laurent Bernier / Luthier / Avenue Charles Duchene / Mirecourt, Vosges" and “F. Espagnet / Luthier, Bordeaux".
The two-piece back is of maple of faint and narrow figure, the top of Vosges-mountain maple of narrow figure.
The varnish is a dark red-brown color. The violin has come to us in very good original condition, without
cracks or damage of any kind. Back length is 357 mm.
SOLD
R-07VN, A good French violin of small size, bearing the label: “Modele d’apres: Antonius Stradivarius Cremonensis faciebat anno 1721”. Two-piece back of faint wide figure,
the varnish of a golden orange color, two-piece table of medium grain. The instrument is in pristine original condition. Back length is 336 mm. Made in Mirecourt about 1925, this
is a superior ¾ size violin of some quality.
$1250
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A small French violin, circa 1925, from the Jerome Thibouville-Lamy workshop in Mirecourt, bearing
the original label “MEDIO FINO, made in France”. The two-piece back is of plain figure, the table of spruce of
irregular medium figure. The original varnish is of a red-brown color. The medio-fino violins were the
“entry level” instruments from J.T.L., always with plain wood, red-brown varnish and scribed (rather than inlaid)
purfling. Even though the workmanship is simple, the instruments were totally hand-made. Proper graduation of
the backs and tables meant the violins had good tonal qualities. This instrument has come to us in very good
condition, with no cracks or damage. New pegs have been fitted and a small piece of wood has been added to a broken
corner. Back length is 330 mm on this one, making it a ¾ size violin.
SOLD
A small French violin, circa 1925, probably from the Jerome Thibouville-Lamy workshop in Mirecourt, bearing
the original label “CAREL”. The two-piece back is of narrow figure, the table of spruce of irregular medium figure.
The original varnish is of a red-brown color. This instrument has come to us in very good condition, with no cracks
or damage. New pegs have been fitted. Back length is 336 mm on this one, making it a ¾ size violin.
SOLD
T-21VN, A small French violin, circa 1925, from the Jerome Thibouville-Lamy workshop in Mirecourt,
bearing the original label “MEDIO FINO, made in France / J.T.L.”. The one-piece back is of plain figure,
the table of spruce of irregular medium figure. The original varnish is of a red-brown color.
The medio-fino violins were the “entry level” instruments from J.T.L., always with plain wood, red-brown varnish
and scribed (rather than inlaid) purfling. Even though the workmanship is simple, the instruments were totally
hand-made. Proper graduation of the backs and tables meant the violins had good tonal qualities. This instrument
has come to us in very good condition, with no cracks or damage. Back length is 301 mm on this one, making it a ½ size violin.
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VIOLINS FROM OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
New G. Calimani violin (Romania), solid wood, solid carved spruce top, solid carved maple back, solid maple sides and neck. Real ebony fingerboard, pegs and tailpiece. Antique style oil varnish. With hard case, and fiberglass bow with horsehair. Strung up with Prelude strings, these violins represent an excellent value. 1/2, 3/4 and 4/4 size: $459.50
VIOLINS FROM GERMANY
W-04VN, A good German violin made before 1940 by the Ernst Heinrich Roth workshop, bearing the
label “Copy of Antonius Stradivarius / made by / Ernst Heinrich Roth” stamped “Germany” in blue ink on the label
and brandstamped “Ernst Heinrich Roth / Markneukirchen B608” on the inner back. The two-piece back is of
Alpine maple of narrow flame, the table of spruce of narrow figure. The varnish is of an red-brown color
on golden base. Purchased by and owned since new by a Wichita native. Back length is 358 mm and the instrument
weighs, without chin-rest, 445 grams. Good example, not expensive.
$2450
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A Fine German violin made in 1957 by the Ernst Heinrich Roth workshop, bearing the label "Ernst Heinrich Roth / Bubenreuth-Erlangen 1957 / Antonius Stradivarius / Cremona 1724" and brandstamped "Ernst Heinrich Roth / Bubenreuth / Erlangen 544" on the inner back. The two-piece back is of Alpine maple of narrow flame, the table of spruce of narrow figure. The varnish is of yello-brown color on golden base. Back length is 355 mm and the instrument weighs, without chin-rest, 418 grams. The 1724 Strad is still in production at Roth's workshop in Bebenreuth, now with a retail price of about $7500. Our instrument is in very fine original condition, has come to us with no cracks or damage. Recommended for an advanced student or enthusiastic adult amateur. The original American case, in like-new condition, is included with the instrument. $4665.
S-07VN, A good German violin imported by the William Lewis Company of Chicago and bearing the label
"Lewis Solo Violin / No. 3 / Amati Model / espressly made for / Wm. Lewis & Son, Chicago / by / William Duerer
in Eisleben / anno 1911". The one piece back is of wide figure, the table of narrow grain. The varnish is
of a red-brown color. The instrument has come to us in good original condition. Back length is 358 mm.
$2250
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R-17VN, A fine German violin from the E.H. Roth workshops, made in Bubenreuth-Erlangen in 1990.
“Stradivarius 1700” model, with two-piece back of medium figure, the varnish a rich red-brown.
The violin has come to us in pristine original condition. Back length is 353 mm.
$1975
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S-17VN, A very fine German violin labelled "Paul Meinl, Basel, Switzerland, c. 1914.
$1750
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V-11VN, A good German violin made by Karl Meisel (Klingenthal), bearing the original label:
"Carlo Micelli / anno 1922". The two-piece back is of Alpine maple of medium flame, the table of
spruce of narrow grain, widening slightly to the flanks. The varnish is of an orange-brown color
on a golden base. Condition is "9.9 on a scale of ten", with no cracks, no damage ever. Back length
is 360 mm and the weight, without chin-rest, is 426 grams. Good example of a 1920s workshop instrument,
pristine condition.
$1650
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W-26VN, A new German violin made in the workshop of Lothar Semmlinger.
$1495
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W-27VN, A new German violin made in the workshop of Lothar Semmlinger.
$1495
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W-28VN, A new German violin made in the workshop of Lothar Semmlinger.
$1495
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F-30VN, William Lewis "David" violin, made in Erlangen about 1980. The two-piece back is of narrow
and faint figure, the varnish is golden-orange. The instrument is in "like new" condition, showing no cracks
or damage anywhere. Back length is 356 mm.
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N-20VN, A good 3/4 size Saxon violin of some quality,probably made in Markneukirchen about 1870.
The two-piece back is of broad figure, the top of wide and not parallel grain. The varnish
is a chestnut brown color on a golden base and the instrument has been made with double purfling and
unique sound-holes remininscent of the Mariani school. The instrument has come to us in fine condition, with
one small check at the top of the bass-side F hole.Back length is 329 mm.
SOLD.
S-08VN, A good German violin from Markneukirchen bearing the label "reproduction of Antonius
Stradivarius / Jos. Bartoni / Germany USSR occupied". The two-piece back is of irregular broad flame,
the table of spruce of fine grain widening to the flanks. The varnish is of a red-brown color on golden base.
The end of the fingerboard is stamped "1098". Back length is 356 mm. The violin dates from 1945 to 1953,
has come to us in fine original condition, without cracks or damage of any kind.
$1450
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G-24VN, a good 3/4 German violin, circa 1925, probably from Markneukirchen,with two-piece back of
narrow figure, orange-brown varnish. Old table crack to the right flank, well-repaired. Back length = 337 mm.
$650
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P-03VN, a superior violin, made in 1926 by the Ernst Heinrich Roth workshops in Markneukirchen.
"Stradivarius 1724" copy, two piece back of broad flame, the varnish a high-quality Saxon red-brown. No damage to the
back, small tailpiece crack repair, now invisible. Back length is 357mm.
SOLD
L-08VN, Steven Kujawa, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 1964, number 47. The violin shows good arching
and a superior varnish, but rather crude inlay to the purfling. The maker is unrecorded in the Henley Atlas,
but does have a good report in the Wenberg book on American violin makers. Born in 1886, therefore this violin
was made in his 78th. year, perhaps explaining the questionable purfling. Good tonal quality, the length of
back is 354 mm.
$1450
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F-04VA, Claudio Testoni, Mantova, 1990. After a dozen years making
stringed instruments for the Italian master Mario Gadda, Claudio Testoni
established his own shop in a farm village near Mantova. Today, he makes
ten or twelve instruments per year in his one-man workshop. We consider
Testoni to be among the best of the modern Italian makers. The back of
our instrument is of handsome two-piece maple of medium figure, the varnish
a rich red-brown color. The condition of the instrument is "like new".
Back length is 410 mm (16 1/8 inch). With certificate from the maker. SOLD
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N-01VA, An English viola by Colin G. Nicholls, London, 1998, bearing the label of the maker and also that of the instrument after which it was patterned, Giovanni Paolo Maggini of Brescia. The one-piece back is of medium to broad figure, descending from left to right. The varnish is of an orange-brown color. Both the back and the front are double-purfled, in the manner of Maggini. Back length is 413 mm (16 1/4 inches). Mr. Nicholls has informed us that a book on the violin makers of the Hill family is in preperation, that a section of it will be concerned with Mr. Nicholls and that this particular instrument will be pictured therein. This excellent modern viola shows top-quality workmanship from England's finest master. SOLD
R-01VA, A modern English viola by Colin G. Nicholls,bearing the label "Colin G. Nicholls,
maker, London K.Z. anno 1992" with the signature of the maker on the label. The instrument has
two-piece back of medium to narrow figure, the varnish of an orange-red color. Back length is 414 mm (16 1/4 inches).
The instrument has come to us in near pristine condition. The original owner purchased the instrument from the maker,
played it a dozen years, then asked Mr. Nichols to build an identical viola of slightly smaller size.
Our viola was constructed on the "Grand Amati" pattern and is sold with photo certification from the maker.
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H-03VA, A superb English viola by W.E. HILL AND SONS, CIRCA 1975
Bearing the label “William S. Hill and Sons / Makers, 140 New Bond Street / London, 1975 No. 553".
The instrument wears the original bridge from Hills, stamped “W.E. Hill and Sons”.
Back length of the instrument is 16 ½ inches (419 mm ). Our instrument is offered with a letter from
Colin G. Nicholls, attesting to the fact that the viola was built by him during his tenure as violin
maker for the W.E. Hill firm. It was based on an original instrument by the sixteenth century Brescian master
Gaspar da Salo. The one-piece back is of maple of very narrow figure, the ribs and scroll of similar wood.
The table is of fine-grained spruce widening just slightly to the flanks. The varnish is of red-brown color
on a golden base, applied in an reproduction antique style. For those considering the purchase of a superb
viola that has a full and clear tone-color, we give this particular instrument our highest recommendation.
It is suitable for use by the most demanding advanced student, adult amateur or professional violist.
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C-04VA, John Walker, Solihull (near Birmingham) 1949. The Henley
Violin Atlas correctly characterizes the instruments from Walker as having
"...splendid amber oil varnish. Tone equal to any contemporary." Our viola
is in fine condition, with a handsome two-piece back of medium figure.
Certification from Colin G. Nicholls. Back length is 421 mm (16 9/16 inches).
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P-01VA, Timothy Clapham, London, 2000. Timothy has worked side-by-side with Colin G. Nicholls
(ex. W.E. Hill & Sons) for the last several years, has made violins, a few celli, and this viola.
Superb workmanship, this viola is modeled on a J.B. Vuillaume viola which was in Colin’s shop recently.
Very nice reddish-brown spirit varnish. Back length is 15-3/4 inches. Superb, big sound.
$6500
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E-09VA, William T. McCool, Newport (Wales), 1985, number 48. McCool
has been an instructor at the Welsh School of Violin Making for over a
decade, during which time he's won a number of contests for his excellent
violas. E-09VA has a one-piece back of medium figured English sycamore
and superior oil varnish of a dark red-brown color. Back length is 416
mm (16 3/8 inches). Certified by the maker.
$6000
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F-06VA, William T. McCool, Newport (Wales), 1990, number 69.
Since accepting the position as instructor at the Welsh School of Violin
Making, McCool has won a number of awards for his instruments. F-06VA has
an attractive one-piece back of narrow flamed English sycamore and a good
oil varnish of orange-brown color. Back length is 411 mm (16 3/16 inches).
Accompanied by certification from the maker.
$6000
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A-21VA, J.H. Stevens, Yeovil, 1979, number 10. Stevens has done
a considerable amount of research into violin acoustics and has contributed
four or five articles to the "Strad" magazine. The viola in our collection
is his own model, has an attractive one-piece back of narrow figure and
a good golden-brown varnish. The condition of the instrument is excellent,
without cracks or damage. Back length is 410 mm (16 1/8 inches). With maker's
certificate.
$4500
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R-02VA, a viola by the Lothar Semmlinger workshops near Nuernberg. Two-piece back of nice figure,
the varnish of a red-brown color.
$1950
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VIOLAS FROM ROMANIA
New G. Calimani viola (Romania), solid wood, solid carved spruce top, solid carved maple back, maple sides and neck. Real ebony fingerboard, pegs and tailpiece. Antique style oil varnish. With hard case, and fiberglass bow with horsehair. Strung up with Dominant or Pro-Arte strings, these viola represent an excellent value. 13" and larger: $459.50
SOME FINE VIOLONCELLI FROM OUR COLLECTION......
I-07VC, James OMOND, Stromness (Scotland), l898. Robust workmanship
and a rich Scottish varnish characterize this particular instrument. There's
little evidence of repair, and the instrument has been "set up" properly,
giving it a velvet-like tone quality. Colin Nicholls certificate.
SOLD
C-03VC, Franz DIENER, Graslitz (Bohemia), l826. Owned by a retired
Kansas musician for 50 years, our Diener cello shows signs of considerable
restoration. Yet this instrument possesses a voice that will amaze. With
love and care, our elderly Bohemian will give good service for another
century!
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A superb artist-quality cello by Benjamin PATOCKA, made in Bohemia in 1894.
We often have artist-quality violins and cellos in our collection and this superb
instrument is typical of some of our better offerings. The instrument has come to us
in fine original condition with two-piece back of narrow figured maple, ribs and scroll of
similar wood. The top is very narrow grain, widening only slightly to the flanks.
The varnish is a dark, semi-opaque red-brown and is of quality. There are no cracks to the back.
This cello is not a shrinking violet, for certain, but is rather more suited for a strong player
whose demands are for orchestral or solo use.
$7800
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I-12VC, Anton DIETL A superb artist-quality cello by master luthier Anton Dietl,
made in Mittenwald in 1957. We often have artist-quality violins and cellos in our collection
and this superb instrument is typical of some of our better offerings.
Our instrument bears the original label: “ANTON DIETL / Geigenbaumeister / Mittenwald – Karwendel / Made in Germany"
and “1957”. The instrument has come to us in superb original condition with two-piece back of narrow figured maple,
ribs and scroll of similar wood. The top is very narrow grain, widening only slightly to the flanks.
The varnish is a golden amber color and is of high quality. There are no cracks to the back, front or anywhere
else on the instrument. The condition is “9.99 on a scale of ten”. Aside from a couple of tiny scratches,
this one could pass for new. The back length is 754 mm ( 29.7 inches).
$9600
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Lothar SEMMLINGER, Baiersdorf, (Bavaria).
A GOOD SEMI-PROFESSIONAL VIOLONCELLO FROM THE WORKSHOP OF LOTHAR SEMMLINGER.
After studying violin making for several years with luthier Albert Lang,
Semmlinger was employed by several of Germany’s best violin workshops.
A seven year tenure as a journeyman violin maker gave him the opportunity
to apply for and receive the coveted title of “Master Violin Maker”.
In 1980, he established a small workshop some miles northeast of Nuernberg, using machines
to do the initial forming of the back and table, but with the final graduation, the set-up and varnish work,
all to be done by hand. It means Semmlinger's instruments have tonal characteristics that
compare with the very finest modern cellos. But because labor costs have been minimized, they're
never expensive. Smart fellow, Lothar...We've offered Semmlinger's instruments to our customers for
nearly two decades and we have a very good relatopnship with his small firm.
The back, ribs and scroll of our cello have been constructed of Carpathian maple of faint and narrow figure.
The two-piece top is of narrow-grained spruce, widening very slightly to the edges.
The quality varnish is of a typical Mittenwald red-brown color, on golden base. The label
reads "Lothar Semmlinger / Geigenbaumeister / Baiersdorf / Mittelfranken".
It is signed and dated, by the maker, in black ink. For those considering the purchase of a superb
cello that has a full and clear tone-color, we give Semmlinger's instruments our highest recommendation.
Prices range from $2550 to $3600.
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New G. Calimani cello (Romania), solid wood, solid carved spruce top, solid carved maple back, sides and neck of maple.
Real ebony fingerboard, pegs and tailpiece. Antique style oil varnish. With hard case, and fiberglass bow with
horsehair. Strung up with Dominant or Pro-Arte strings, these celli represent an excellent value for solid
wood instruments.
$1396
PROFESSIONAL-QUALITY CONTRABASSES
F-01CB, Dragonetti Workshop, London, England, 1990. A combined
venture of English violin makers Bharat Khandekar and Collin G. Nicholls,
the Dragonetti total output was but five basses and three celli. Our instrument,
named "Victoria", was bases on an instrument by Antonio Bagatella of Padua
which was in our collection some years ago. This is a high quality instrument
fully hand-made, the back of maple of faint figure, the varnish a dark
red-brown. Five string model, with back length 111 cm (43 11/16 inches),
string length 106.4 cm (41 7/8 inches). Accompanied by certicate from the
maker. This instrument is in mint condition.
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String basses made in Romania, with basically three different models. We've had a couple of these recently, and must admit that the quality is the best of anything in the price range.
String bass, fully carved construction. Please call or email for price.
string bass, fully carved top, laminate back and sides. Please call or email for price.
string bass, laminate top, back and sides. Please call or email for price.
Professional and student quality European and American Bows are available also for all of the string family from makers such as Milliant, W.E. Hill & Sons, Hel, Alvey, Morizot, Serdet, Taylor, Bazin, Clutterbuck, Laberte, Doe, Gruenke, Mettal, etc...
Baroque style stringed instruments are available as well.
SINCE 1976, Wichita Band Instrument Company has had a separate division within our firm which specializes in fine violins. Today, we have two full-time luthiers on our staff to offer expert advice and "service after the sale". We invite your enquiries!
Please FAX, e-mail or call if you would like any additional information.
Wichita Band Instrument Co./Wichita Violin Shop
800-835-3006
FAX 316-684-6858
wbic@wichitaband.com