2019 V. Richelieu (Vermont Violins) 4/4 Violin

I'm a rather poor fiddler, but I can definitely tell when an instrument is a nice one. This one is -- it's balanced, loud, and full throughout its range and has excellent volume and carrying-power. I love how responsive the G string is -- full of vigor and warmth but not muddy. That's the hardest string to "get right" on a violin as far as I'm concerned.

It also has interesting little decorative touches -- the finish is traditional varnish and so the mildly-raised grain in the spruce top is really "shown-off" in contrasting lighting. It gives it an old-fashioned look. There's also some "darkening" to edges at the pegbox and scroll which give a classy look to it, too. Of course, the fancy wood throughout doesn't hurt, either -- the back and sides are quite flamed.

Anyhow, this brand is made in Vermont for Vermont Violins. It's the shop's "house brand" for US-made instruments. As such, you'd expect it to be top-flight so it's good to know the instrument matches the buzz.

Repairs included: very minor adjustments.

Top wood: solid spruce

Back & sides wood: solid flamed maple

Bridge: maple

Fingerboard: ebony

Neck wood: maple

String height: classical
Strings: unknown -- synthetic core?

Neck shape: slim C

Neck relief: straight

Scale length: 12 7/8"

Nut width: 7/8"

Body length: 13 7/8"

Body width: 8 1/8"

Body depth: 1 1/2"

Weight: 1 lb 2 oz

Condition notes: it's basically brand new and shows no signs of wear and tears as far as I can tell.

It comes with: its original case and a carbon fiber bow.