Violins
From Italy
Violins
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Violins
From France
Violins
From Germany
Violins
From America
Violas
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Professional-Quality
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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. We collect NO SALES TAX, unless you’re lucky enough to live in Kansas. 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.
H18VN, 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.
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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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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.
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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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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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A superior French violin by Henri Wagner, made in Paris in 1919.
The violin has come to us in fine to superb condition, bears the original label: “Exposition de Bruxelles 1910 medaille d’argent / fait le 9 Mai, 1919 avec les principes et le / vernis de la antique ecole de Cremone / retrouve par / He. WAGNER, 16 Rue de la Tour-D’Auvergne, PARIS”.
SOLD
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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Q-06VN, A superior French violin by Jean Striebig, bearing the label "Jean Striebig , Maitre-Luthier,
8 rue Estivant, Mirecourt (Vosges), No. 920, annee 1948". The two-piece back is of medium to broad figure, the
varnish of a slightly opaque red-brown color. Back length is 359mm. Upper bouts = 170mm; center fitted with the
original bridge of the maker. From the Henley Atlas ".....Established in Mirecourt 1935. Splendid individualistic
models, in addition to admirable copies of standard types..." This instrument: $4250
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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. $4150.
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A good French violin from the workshop of Jean Striebig, bearing the original label: “Jean Striebig, Maitre-Luthier / 8 Rue Estivant, MIRECOURT (Vosges) / No. 1040 , annee 1950”, the numbers written in black ink. Also a repair inscription “rep par GC, 1980”. Striebig’s instruments are occasionally in our collection and this one is a very good example that’s come to us in fine condition, no cracks or damage anywhere. The two-piece back is of maple of medium flame, the top of spruce of irregular straight grain. The varnish is of a red-brown color. Back length is 357 mm. Weight, without chin-rest, is 408 grams. Colin Nicholls certification. $3850.
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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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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A rare small-sized violin by Seraphin Bourgeois, made in France in 1884.
It’s a violin from master luthier Seraphin Bourgeois, bearing his label “BOURGEOIS Luthier, Chalon-sur-Saone, 1884”.
The two-piece back is of beechwood of plain figure, the top of spruce of irregular grain. The varnish is a red-brown color. Back length is 336 mm and the instrument weighs 340 grams without chin-rest.
Not for everybody, but for the very particular violinist who isn’t six feet tall or perhaps for a young player who prefers a small violin that’s of superior quality, this fine instrument will be of interest.
The violin has come to us in fine condition and bears the original label.
Violins from this particular luthier are somewhat rare; this is the first example we’ve had in our collection. $3250.
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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.
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. This one’s $1950.
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. $1450.
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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. $1250.
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. $1250.
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. $1250.
A good French violin from the workshop of Amadee Dieudonne, bearing the original label: “fait a Mirecourt / par le Maitre-Luthier / Amedee Dieudonne / en 1946”, and signed on the label in brown ink “No. 688B”and “Del Jesu Guarnerius”. Also 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 medium and straight grain, widening slightly to the flanks. The varnish is of quality, a rich red-brown color. Back length is 357 mm. Weight, without chin-rest, is 414 grams. SOLD
O-09VN. A fine French violin by Amedee Dominique Dieudonne,
bearing the label "Fait par A. Dieudonne, Luthier, Revu et mis au point
par Ch. Enel, Paris, 1924". An early example of
the work of this prolific Mirecourt master, produced in his thirty-fourth
year and made for a dealer in Paris. One of the first
from his own workshop, the violin has come to us in almost pristine original
condtion. The two-piece back is of strong narrow figure, the varnish
a rich golden-yellow. We are particularly pleased with
the workmanship shown on the scroll and sound-holes.
Early violins from Dieudonne are, in our opinion, superior to the "workshop"
instruments of his later years. The sound is rich and bright,
perfectly suited to the needs of the most demanding orchestral performer.
Back length is 358 mm. Recommended! SOLD
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R-19VN. A superior French violin from the Paris workshop of Daniel Moinel, dated 1966. Two-piece back of broad figure, the golden-orange varnish showing light craquel figure. The instrument has come to us in nearly pristine condition, without damage of any kind. The violin is also brand-stamped with the name of the maker, just above the label. Born in 1901, Daniel Moinel established his own workshop near the St. Lazare train station in 1934, where he soon gained the reputation of being among the finest l uthiers of his time. Back length is 357 mm. We’re proud to offer this superb example of his work SOLD
VIOLINS FROM OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
R-22VN. A superior violin by Martin Stoss of Vienna, bearing the label “MARTIN STOSS, Kaiserliche Koeninglicher Hof-Geigen und Lautenmacher in Wien, 1835”The two-piece back is of faint medium figure, the top of narrow grained spruce widening to the flanks. The varnish is a dark red-brown color. The length of back is 358 mm. Stoss had the reputation of being the leading Viennese luthier of his time. This particular instrument has come to us in good condition, with an ancient well-repaired crack to the bass side of the tailpiece saddle. SOLD
New G. Calimani violin (Romania), solid wood, solid spruce top, solid maple back, 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 violins represent an excellent value. 1/2, 3/4 and 4/4 size: $412.50
VIOLINS FROM GERMANY
E.H. Roth, c. 1939, model 1R (Stradivarius 1714) , Markneukirchen, Germany. Length of back is 358mm. Condition is excellent. Appearance of the wood and varnish is excellent. There is a little finger wear on the treble side upper bout, next to the fingerboard.
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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
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
J-10VN, J.A.Baader, Mittenwald (Germany), circa 1935. The handsome
two-piece back is of narrow horizontal figure, the table of narrow grain
spruce. The varnish is a golden brown color and the condition is excellent,
with no cracks or damage anywhere. Built to the Amati pattern, with flatter
arching and typical Amati F-holes. Back length is 357 mm.
$1600
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M20VN, a good German violin of the Dresden school, without label.
Two piece back of narrow flame, red-brown spirit varnish. The table has
a crack near the tail-piece, well repaired. Back length is 361 mm.
$975
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.
$725
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. $1850.
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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
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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.
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N01VA, 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 VIOLIN 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-05VA, 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.
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E09VA, 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.
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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.
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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.
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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 spruce top, solid maple back, 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" & 14": $412.50 15" & Larger: $412.50
SOME FINE VIOLONCELLI FROM OUR COLLECTION......
I07VC, 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
C03VC, 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.
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Il2VC, 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).
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Lothar SEMMLINGER, Baiersdorf, (Bavaria), 2007.
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 $3150.
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New G. Calimani cello (Romania), solid wood, solid spruce top, solid maple back, 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 celli represent an excellent value for solid wood instruments. $1396.00
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