1997 Rudolph Bayerle "Ruth" 4/4 Violin

Rudolph Bayerle was a small builder from North Wilbraham, MA and his son brought-in three of his violins. All are made from good materials and are a bit quirky in their details and build style but very interesting.

This one is titled "Ruth" on the label and has the most even-keeled voice. Its tone is round and sweet without too much focus on either the highs or the lows. It has a medium, orangey-brown gloss finish and features good flamed maple for the back and sides. It has internally-geared pegs at the headstock and a single fine tuner at the tailpiece.

The top and back have a high arch to them but the top is a bit flattened in the middle where the bridge rests. The plates are thick at the edges but thin-up a bunch as they approach the middle.

Repairs included: setup, adjustments.

Top wood: solid spruce

Back & sides wood: solid flamed maple

Bridge: maple

Fingerboard: ebony

Neck wood: maple

String height: fiddle-style/lower
Strings: good quality synthetic

Neck shape: medium C with thinner board

Neck relief: straight

Scale length: 12 7/8"

Nut width: 15/16"

Body length: 13 7/8"

Body width: 8 1/8"

Body depth: 1 5/8" + arching

Weight: 1 lb 4 oz

Condition notes: it's clean and, as far as I know it, all-original. The bridge is on the lower side due to the high arch of the top but it plays well and has good tension on the body.

It comes with: a decent hard case.

BAY1