This is a violin made by Tacoma, Washington violin maker and player Thomas L. Hofto. The maker spent some time learning from a Polish maker in California, then moved to Washington, where he established a business making and selling violins from 1915 until his death.
A jazz player from DC brought this violin to me to sell because he’s been downsizing his collection of violins and bows. It was played extensively and then taken to The Violin House of Weaver for repair and revarnishing (its original varnish had been peeling off to the point that it was no longer salvageable). It was set up there to the player’s preference of low string heights for quick response and ease of playing with a light touch. It responds easily and produces a rather pleasant tone. It’s a quirky violin that’s part of the history of Washington state violin making. I have some additional information and pictures of the maker that I will provide to the buyer upon purchase.
Here is the listing:
fiddlehangout.com/classified/13138
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