1950s Suzuki 4/4 Violin w/Geared Tuners

Overview: This is a violin I acquired some time back. I'm a fan of Japanese-made fiddles and while this one only bears a "Made in Japan" mark inside, I'm almost certain it's a Suzuki-made instrument from around 1950-1955 or so as I've handled many others that are very similar and had the same label this one has with the addition of the Suzuki S label. Andy worked on it for me and fit some older, very cool, guitar-style violin tuners to it for practicality's sake. I was originally going to use this for band work but I almost never play anything but bass these days and so it's been sitting dormant (and sad) on my wall. Time to recirculate! 

Interesting features: These have a good, simple, robust, woody sound that turns them into excellent old-time-style fiddles. Cajun-sounding double-stops sound great on them and they have an innate "oldness" to their vibe that's a bit dusty and funky. The handling is easy and, of course, the geared pegs make life extremely comfortable as far as keeping in tune.

Repairs included: I can't recall all that was done but I think Andy reset the neck, repaired some seams, leveled/planed the fingerboard (hence why all of the black dye on the maple fingerboard is gone -- a nice look), fit a new bridge, fit the tuners, fit a soundpost, and set it all up. It has a 4-fine-tuners tailpiece and newer chinrest as well. It's ready to go and playing quick and easy.

• Weight: 1 lb 3 oz
• Scale length: 12 7/8"
• Nut width: 15/16"
• Neck shape: slim C slight V
• Depth at first position: 25/32"
• Body length: 14"
• Body width: 8 1/4"
• Body depth: 1 1/2"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid maple
• Bridge: maple
• Fingerboard: maple
• Neck wood: maple
• String height: fiddler's low
• Strings: Pearse Mezzo

Condition notes: While there are some scuffs and scratches and edgewear here and there, the overall appearance is good and tidy. The unstained maple fingerboard gives it a sharp look and the geared pegs are an unusual and desirable (for fiddlers!) feature.

It comes with: It has no official case but I will include something to protect it for shipping and light storage.

Consignment tag: JW/EJ