just got this lovely old violin, been with the owner for 46 years.
might you know more able this violin please? Will post more images once i have it in my hand.
The violin looks like a well-made violin of middle quality with a pretty back. If you can show some more detail pictures that will help. It looks like something from the 1920s-1930s to me that likely came from Markneukirchen.
It has good bones and ought to be a serviceable instrument when repaired. There are several issues that ought to be addressed, though. The first is the back center seam, which appears to have come open at both ends. If not addressed it will continue to open and chip away varnish. The neck appears to be low, and I’m wondering if that was the result of previous repairs. Is that a dowel in the neck heel? If so, that may be a liability. If the top has to come off anyway to deal with the back center seam, that might provide an opportunity to deal with projection issues. If the neck is low enough, a neck reset might be in order, but that’s where the dowel could complicate matters.
The bottom bass rib looks like it’s protruding beyond the back, so the rib may need to be shortened.
If you’re willing to invest in good repair and setup work, there’s potential.
THe chance that after investing the money in this fiddle, its going to suddenly spring into life as a wonderful sounding instrument is slim. What's the general availability of quality luthiers in New Zealand and prices for this kind of work? Here in New York, this could easliy total up $6-700 USD of repair work and maybe more depending on what they find inside. Me, I'd tackle this myself, but I have some experience. This was about the average condition I would find at small country antique auctions that would have a fiddle or 2 amongst the offerings, maybe a little worse. THis is a question of how bad do you need this fiddle.
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It belongs in the Product Reviews and Shopping Advice section
