Old and Second Hand Violins - page 3



This page last updated 8th October 2011

FULL SIZE VIOLINS Under £300
 

  1. violin 505 Unlabelled, modern, probably Chinese. Two piece narrow flamed back, medium arching, carved Chinese style lion (or possibly dog) in place of scroll, orange-brown varnish. Some small chips in the varnish show the instrument to have been used, but otherwise condition is as new. Strong clear tone, quite even, plenty of volume. Resonance strings. The original Chinese (steel) strings gave more volume but a harder tone.

    2. No. 505 in my book. £Reserved. To view the fiddle Click here



  2. violin 501 Labelled 'Anselmus Belliosus fecit Venitiis 1785' but certainly not by this maker. The violin appears to be composite, with the belly possibly early 19th century English, recut to fit the back and ribs which are probably German and later, the neck and scroll possibly later still. Two piece back with faint narrow flame, lowish arching, orange-brown varnish. There is a repaired crack in the belly, lower treble side. The belly originally had drawn in purfling, now mostly erased, and the back has had the purfling removed! 'AB' has been crudely branded below the button and tailpin, and internally. The pegs have all been bushed. The sound is hard but clear in the middle and top, a little rough on the G, quite loud. Prelude strings. It may improve with playing as it has been apart while I repaired it. The neck on this violin is unusually narrow.

    3. No. 501 in my book. £250. To view the fiddle Click here
     

  3. violin 516 Unlabelled, probably Czech, circa 1930. Two piece back with attractive flame, medium arching, brown varnish. A lot of scratches, but no repairs. Pegs recently replaced. Quite dark sound, good for the price, though D string sounds a little clouded compared with the others, and G a little buzzy. Prelude strings.

    4. No. 516 in my book. £250. To view the fiddle Click here



  4. violin 499 Labelled 'F. Breton, brevete' and Mirecourt 1831, and branded on the button. French, but a factory instrument, circa 1900. Two piece back with faint narrow figure, medium arching, golden varnish. This violin has suffered in the past from woodworm, damp and ugly and ineffective repair work. It now has several repairs to the belly including a soundpost patch, and some new linings internally, and is in sound playing condition, though not pretty! A decent sound, quite resonant, clear and smooth on the lower strings but the E string is a little harsh. Pro-Arte strings strings. Priced to reflect the condition and hence much cheaper than the other French trade violins that I have.

    5. No. 499 in my book. £240. To view the fiddle Click here
     
  5. violin 432 Unlabelled, probably German, circa 1910. Two piece back with a little faint flame, lowish arching, dull golden-brown varnish. Long repaired crack in back but not under the soundpost, some scratches. Fairly warm sound but not particularly full; could sound scratchy with the wrong strings. Pro-Arte strings.

    6. No. 432 in my book. £225. To view the fiddle Click here



  6. violin 513 Unlabelled, probably German, early 20th century. Two piece flamed back, medium to low arching, warm red-brown varnish. Reasonable condition, nicks and scratches but no repairs. Strong, open sound, clear but not warm, plenty of volume. This violin was previously offered 'as seen' as a commission sale, but is now offered under my normal conditions, with new bridge and alloy tailpiece and Helicore strings.

    7. No. 513 in my book. £220. To view the fiddle Click here
     

    Back To Top

  7. violin 523 Modern German violin, labelled 'GEWA Ideale'. Two piece flamed back, medium arching, red-brown varnish. Condition almost as new, unsurprising as the instrument is probably only two or three years old. Sound is nice and even but a little dry and could sound harsh with the wrong strings. Corelli Crystal strings.

    8. No. 523 in my book. £170. To view the fiddle Click here
     



  8. violin 457 Unlabelled Saxon violin, probably late 19th century. Two piece back with faint figure, moderate arching, orangey-gold varnish. One ugly repaired crack under the tailpiece and lots of minor scratches. Tone is a little boxy and hard, but fairly full and reasonable at the price. Prelude strings.

    9. No. 457 in my book. £160. To view the fiddle Click here
     



    I also usually have a number of complete outfits suitable for beginners at prices between £65 and £150

    Back To Top