Apart from his own personal output as violinmaker, J. J. van de Geest imported 'trade' instruments (commercial instruments aimed at the student and amateur market) from mainly Germany, Holland and Japan. Such instruments were usually of reasonably good quality and he always labelled them as "Made for J J van de Geest", followed by additional information, such as a serial number, date, address etc. These instruments were NOT made by Van de Geest, but were the output of large trade studios (a euphemism for "factories"). These instruments (including a large number of violas, cellos and child instruments), emerge all over South Africa.

After completing his apprenticeship as violinmaker in Holland under the great master, Eberle, Jacobus Jan van de Geest (1899 - 1974) was for 18 years Master Craftsman and Chef d'atelier for London's most important violin company - Hart & Son, under George Hart. Here he was in charge of assessments and repairs to the world's finest instruments. In London (and in fact in all of England and elsewhere) he established a reputation for supreme expertise and craftsmanship that stood him to credit for the rest of his life. When Hart & Son closed down in 1938, Van de Geest emigrated from London to Johannesburg, where he became the most important single force in South Africa's violin world.

It's not known where Van de Geest sourced this violin from but it is an attractive instrument with a beautiful one piece back and is in impeccable condition. The violin is very responsive with an open and clear tone. Workmanship throughout is refined with attention to the detail of good lutherie.

This violin would be a good upgrade for an advanced student and is suitable for any music literature.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 35.4 cm

Condition :
	This violin is in impeccable condition without any cracks or repairs.

Provenance :
	Withheld

Price :

On request