1920s Unmarked (German) 4/4 Violin
This fiddle is unmarked but more than likely a German workshop instrument from the 1910s or 1920s. It's got a low to medium arch to the top and back and so does not really suggest (to my eye) what it might be copycatting in its profile. It's got nice materials -- really tight-grain spruce in the top (cut thin) and highly-figured maple for the back, sides, and neck.
Tonally it's clean, clear, and easy to get along with -- notes are accurate and it doesn't feel too full of overtones or "cloudiness" to its sound.
Interesting features include a nicely-cut bone nut, non-ebony (not sure what) "saddle" for the tailgut, and a ruddy, rich-looking color to the varnish. It has a few cleated-up crack repairs to the top but it's good to go and ready to serve with a quick feel and fiddle-style setup after repairs done by my guy Andy.
Repairs included: crack repairs to the top, new chinrest, bridge fitting/adjustments, soundpost fitting/adjustments, seam repairs, fingerboard leveling, cleaning, setup, etc.
Weight: 1 lb 3 oz
Scale length: 12 7/8"
Nut width: 7/8"
Body length: 14 1/8"
Body width: 8 1/8"
Body depth: 1 1/2" + arching
Top wood: solid spruce
Back & sides wood: solid flamed maple
Bridge: maple
Fingerboard: ebony
Neck wood: maple
String height: fiddler's
Strings: Corelli Crystal, I think
Neck shape: medium U/C
Neck relief: tiniest hair of relief
Condition notes: it has three or four old hairline top crack repairs around the tailpiece on the top. All have been cleated and sealed-up where possible and are good to go. There's mild "weather-check" to the varnish here and there on the body throughout, too, and light handling wear via rubbing/scratches throughout as well. Under the treble-side bridge foot there is a small (1/4") circular patch in the wood which is a non-issue other than being odd. It's patched with a spruce plug, too. There's also a little finish worn-off in front of that foot of the bridge on the top, too.
It comes with: a foam-style case.
Consignment tag: R5
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