1900s Jacobus Stainer High-Quality Copy 4/4 Violin

Overview: While this violin has a few bruises, it's a very good example of a quality, Stainer-style, copycat instrument. There are numerous downmarket or mid-grade models (most have "Stainer" stamped at the back of the heel) but this one is built along the lines of the fancier "true copy" violins you might find in the old 1910s/1920s Metropolitan Music catalog pages. It has a bogus Stainer label in the bass f-hole with a bogus date but it's likely German-made from around 1900-1910, judging by its features.

Interesting features: It has the dramatic, "sculptural" carve to the top (especially near the f-holes) that's typical of Stainer copies. It also has the slightly-elongated, boxy look. Unlike most, the wood used throughout is much better quality -- tighter grain in the top spruce and a heck of a lot of flame in the back and sides maple. The purfling and the details of the carve are nicely-done and there's plenty of attention to detail all over. The scroll is nice and crisp and accurate. It's a well-made instrument. The finish is also interesting -- with almost a bit of an "iced tea sunburst" effect to the coloring.

Repairs included: Manny reset the neck, re-repaired the crack coming off of the bass f-hole on the top, dressed the fingerboard, refit the bridge, and set it all up (as well as fixing other minor things). It's playing spot-on and sounds excellent -- clean and clear and with a good, round warmth to its lower notes. It's a very "tidy" instrument to play -- its notes pop right out without many clumsy overtones.

• Weight: 1 lb 0 oz
• Scale length: 13"
• Nut width: 7/8"
• Neck shape: slim C
• Neck depth near nut: 25/32"
• Neck depth before heel: 13/16"
• Body length: 13 7/8"
• Body width: 8"
• Body depth: 1 1/2"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid flamed maple
• Bridge: maple
• Fingerboard: ebony
• Neck wood: maple
• Strings: unsure (nice quality)
• Action height: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble at octave

Condition notes: Overall, it's in good shape, though it does have that longer repaired crack on the top. It also has average wear and tear via scratches, small nicks and dings, and usewear throughout but some of the wear and tear seen is also "factory aging" done when it was new to give it an older look. 

It comes with: It does have a good case with a spare bow.

Consignment tag: TDEB