This violin follows the Stradivari model meticulously, right down to the golden red-brown varnish which has been nicely antiqued to add to the appeal of the instrument. It is a striking and attractive instrument.

It's tone matches the good looks. The tone is strong, clear and even through the full register, speaking with clarity, openness and responsiveness. The violin is easy to play and satisfies immediately. I found it equal to any demands made on it from the serious solo repertoire. The tone projects well and allows for big nuance in colour and timbre.

The two-piece back and sides of attractive and good quality well-figured maple with a distinct medium curl. The top is of good tone spruce with a narrow grain in the centre opening to the flanks. Workmanship is really good throughout - tidy work in the corners and purfling neatly traced. The golden red-brown varnish based on a French recipe is really striking.

The matching palisander fittings (pegs, tailpiece and chinrest) are truly beautiful and compliment the violin's colour well.

This violin is new, but has been artificially "antiqued" to look slightly older and worn than it actually is. Today such antiquing is no longer regarded as trickery or deceit, but is perfectly acceptable and very much the norm in lutherie. In some international violinmaking competitions antiquing is an anticipated finish for which points are allocated.

This violin passes with conviction as a serious instrument that conforms to all the requirements one may have for a professional instrument.

Click on the photos below to enlarge them!

Dimensions :
	Standard full size Length of back: 35.7 cm

Condition :
	Impeccable

Provenance :
	Owned by Johan Grobbelaar

Price :

Withheld