1950s German-made 3/4 Violin

Looking for a decent fractional student fiddle? This '50s or early '60s German-made (it's on the label) "Strad copy" is simply appointed but sounds and feels nice. It's also in good shape, too. I picked it up in trade from a customer of mine and after fitting the bridge, adding new tailgut, cleaning it up, and restringing, it's good to go.

It's a funny thing in that, when you flip it over, you immediately say, "oh look at all the flame!" Sadly, it's faux-flame (and thus "painted-on"), but the instrument is actually built pretty well -- tight-grain spruce on the top and generic maple for the back, sides, and neck. The tailpiece is ebony but the fretboard is ebonized maple. I'm not sure about the pegs but they appear to be the real stuff, too.

It has a decent Aubert bridge and I've set it up with action suited more for the fiddler (low and fast).  Strings are new John Pearse Mezzos which are made by Thomastik and basically Dominants in tone, tension, and feel. They warm-up a little guy like this and feel really slick and easy.

There's no functional bow, but it does have a good hard case and a bow needing some hair with it.

Work included: cleaning, a setup, bridge fitting, adjustments, and restring.

Setup notes: it plays quick and fast.

Scale length: 12"

Nut width: 3/4"

String spacing at nut: 5/8"

String spacing at bridge: 1 1/4"

Body length: 13"

Lower bout width: 7 1/2"

Side depth at endpin: 1 1/4"

Top wood: solid spruce

Back/sides wood: solid maple (faux-flame paint job)

Neck wood: maple

Bracing type: tonebar + soundpost

Fingerboard: ebonized maple or similar

Bridge: maple Aubert

Neck feel: slim C-shape

Condition notes: some minor wear and tear throughout but overall in good shape. A school or rental agency mark is on the back of the heel ("E9"). Everything seems original to the violin except for the bridge and chinrest, both of which are newer. There are no cracks and the neck angle is good.