1920s Pfretzschner Strad-Copy 4/4 Violin

Overview: This is one of Pfretzschner's "high grade" copy instruments from the '20s or very early '30s and, in this case, it's supposed to be a Strad copy. It's well-made, in pretty good shape overall, and has a gorgeous-looking finish and cut to it. Andy worked on this for our local friend Tom and it's come out of mild surgery a solid player.

Tone: It's clean, balanced, and easy to get what you want from it without creep into overtones. Notes are direct and clear.

Feel: The neck's a little fuller than your average import top to back which makes it very comfortable to me. There was a fashion at the time for skinny little necks and while this one isn't large, it's got a little more depth which means it's easier to brace your hand against.

Interesting features: I like the medium-brown stain used on this one -- it highlights the grain nicely while not feeling stuffy or overly-showy.The ebony fingerboard, after leveling, is also rather striking because more of the wood's streakiness shows through.

Repairs included: Andy leveled the fingerboard, fit the bridge, repaired a couple of cracks on the lower bout top, and set it all up. It's playing spot-on and is ready to serve.

• Weight: 1 lb 1 oz
• Scale length: 12 7/8"
• Nut width: 7/8"
• Neck shape: medium C
• Body length: 14"
• Body width: 8 1/8"
• Body depth: 1 12/"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid flamed maple
• Bridge: maple
• Fingerboard: ebony (with streaks)
• Neck wood: maple
• String height: between fiddler's low and classical standard
• Strings: Pearse

Condition notes: It has a couple of repaired hairline cracks on the top (next to the tailpiece). The bridge and fine-tuners tailpiece are unoriginal but the rest appears original or at least period-correct. It shows minor wear and tear from use and storage but overall it looks nice.

It comes with: It has a good hard case with a zippered dust-sleeve, even.

Consignment tag: TMST