1920s German-made Carlo Alberi 4/4 Violin



Update 2022: oh my gosh, I can't believe that the last time I saw this was in 2014! Time flies. My friend Tom is ready to release this into the world so I've taken a video, shot new pictures, and updated the description entirely.

The giant music retailer B&J (HQ'd New York) imported these nice-grade factory instruments from Germany and gave them a spurious Italian-style name (Carlo Alberi) to give their title more weight. Like many nice, German-made factory instruments, though, who cares? The instruments speak for themselves. This is obviously a cut above normal trade violins with excellent wood throughout, a nice Strad carve with a lightly-cut top and back, clear and rich voice, and a great feel. It has the sense of boutiqueness about its handling.

The fittings are all quality and ebony, the top is tightly-grained spruce, and the (one-piece!) back, sides, and neck are outrageously-flamed maple. It's a stand-out sort-of instrument and the deep red-brown of the finish gives it its own look.

Repairs included:  a light setup, soundpost set, cleaning, and perlon-core (Dominant-style) strings.


Top wood: solid spruce

Back & sides wood: solid flamed maple

Bridge: maple

Fingerboard: ebony

Neck wood: maple


String height: fiddle/lower (ask me to make a 2nd, taller bridge if you're playing classic)
Strings: Pearse

Neck shape: medium-slim C

Neck relief: tiny hair of relief


Scale length: 12 3/4"

Nut width: 7/8"

Body length: 14"

Body width: 8"

Body depth: 1 1/2" + arching

Weight: 1 lb 1 oz


Condition notes: it's quite clean throughout but does have 


It comes with: an old hard case and a Glasser, fiberglass bow.



















Comments

fiddlinaggie said…
I've had a violin made with the name Alberi on the inside for several years. It has the sweetest tone, clear and rich. I couldn't be happier.