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The Violin Beautiful - Posted - 03/20/2020: 16:53:28
I’d like to take a moment to clear up some misunderstandings about the Kono violins. I work four days a week at the Violin House of Weaver, the shop from which all Konos originate.
There was a question about their production. They are sent to the shop in the white from the manufacturer. Upon receiving them, the tops are taken off and they are revoiced, usually by Kristi Weaver, one of the owner’s daughters (there are some I’ve revoiced). Once the interior work is done, the tops go back on and they are varnished by Mr. Weaver. Then Mr. Weaver sets them up and plays them. They aren’t given labels unless they meet his standard for sound. We primarily sell them to shops around the world, so most people that own them buy them from the shops we supply, not from us. So Konos aren’t made in our shop, but every single one comes from our shop.
As to the question of the players that own Konos, the statements about Joshua Bell, Robert Lipsett, Michelle Kim, and many other top-level players are true. I’ve attached the letter Michelle Kim sent to the shop in 2013 after she received a Kono. She got it through Michael Ferrill, another professional player and teacher. Perhaps when the OP contacted Ms. Kim she no longer had that violin in her possession, but her letter should answer any questions about whether she had one or not.
Edited by - The Violin Beautiful on 03/20/2020 16:56:36
