Another Christmas wonder gift

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Posted by albert52 on Saturday, December 25, 2010

A couple of months ago I was introduced to my step-mother inlaw's grandfather's violin from when he was a youngin' of about 12 yrs. We have breakfast with my wife's father and Mary every Saturday morning and I always ask her how my new friend is today. She replys "Still collecting dust in the cupboard". I of course kringe when I hear that.

So at a Christmas dinner at a step sisterinlaw's house I asked Mary the same question, but this time the answer was different, " He's looking for a new loving home, and I think I have to find one". It seems her grandkids, kids, cousins didn't want that "old thing". Nope not interested was the answer.

We exchanged gifts on Christmas eve as we always do, and as I loaded up the van I noticed a peculiar looking package., wrapped in a beautiful home spun cloth bag with fancy ribbon on it. I looked at Marilyn (my wife) and said to her..."It couldn't be!"

We got home and I slyly got her to open a gift from her dad, thus allowing me to open this strange parcel. (Like a kid in a candy shop I was). To my ever gratifying surprise was the old violin case from the 1800s. I opened the case and yep, it was in disarray, 2 strings still attached, banged up a bit, the bridge still in the same corner when I first saw. Now you might think...Oh that's no way to give a gift at Christmas. I DID NOT CARE. I would have to say that I have been a bear this Christmas until I viewed this wonderful, Ibelieve, God given gift thorugh Mary (my step-motherinlaw..).

I wiped it up, put on new synthetic strings with a Gold Label E string, using the original bridge (in perfect shape, sat her on my shoulder and took my first bow stoke. OH MY GOODNESS. The sound that came from it was as if I was hearing an angel for the first time, I was and still am, awe struck. I must have palyed for 2hrs straight. (Sorry Baby- my pride and joy fiddle). I am so blessed this day with 2 violins that I am ennamoured with the sound from them. Thank you, Thank You.

The violin is German made by the HOPF family, date: 1893, Mary's grandad was about 12 yrs old when his parents bought it for him in Scotland before they moved to Canada. I have the registration for it and everything...Coooool.

Check out my photo section under Wonderful Christmas 2010 www.fiddlehangout.com/myhangout/photos.asp

And here she is!!!!