Jacobus Gerhardus Johannes (Jack) van De Geest (1924-1985) was one of the most important lute makers of the 20th century, if not the foremost. This violin was made during his apprenticeship under his father, the important Dutch violinmaker, who himself was studio foreman for George Hart & Sons in London for 18 years before moving to South Africa in 1939.

Jack van de Geest was J. J. van de Geest's first son and was born in 1924 in Acton Green in London. He died in Châtel-Saint-Denis, Fribourg, in Switzerland in 1985. This violin, made in 1944, was his second violin, made when he was 20, during his apprenticeship under his father. Jack early on indicated a preference for guitar and lute making and moved to St Gallen in Switzerland where he focused on building guitars, and eventually lutes. He was highly prolific and by his death in 1985, at the age of 61, he had created very many instruments today in the hands of the world's leading lute players.

This violin is a testimony to Jack van de Geest's grasp of the fundamentals of good tone and how to achieve it in an instrument. It is exceptionally well-toned, with focus and projection, speaks with ease and is highly balanced over the register, making it essentially suitable for solo performance.

The one piece back, ribs, neck and scroll are of mildly flamed maple. The top is of excellent medium grain tone spruce. The oil-based varnish is a beautiful deep amber over a yellow ground. Purfling and cornerwork are impeccable.

This violin offers insight into the exceptional skill of a maker who during his limited lifetime, gave the world some of the finest guitars and lutes. This is a collector's piece which should be in the hands of a serious musician who would appreciate its fine qualities and who could preserve it for many generations to come.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 35.7 cm

Condition :
	Other than a professionally fitted soundpost patch in the top, this violin is in impeccable condition, completely free from evident cracks or repairs.

Provenance :
	Withheld

Price :

On request