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Winning bid:
US $560.00
Ended:
May-25-08 19:10:41 PDT
Shipping costs:
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HANDWRITTEN MAKER'S LABEL Very Strong, Powerful, Resonant Violin
~ GORGEOUS in every way! ~ Full Size 4/4
Here is a very fine, handmade violin signed in pencil on the inside by the maker, and dated 1881. The violin is a very powerful sounding violin with a mature, full voice...a lush tone that rings and resonates in the across all ranges. It sings brilliantly and effortlessly in the upper range and has a deep, velvety bass sound. This is a fine, one of a kind violin, made by hand, not in a shop or factory. Made 127 years ago, it's extraordinary in it's beauty. And it's sound is, in my opinion, powerful and sweet. I've taken the opportunity to record this fine violin being played so that you can hear it and judge it for yourself. The craftsmanship is evident on this wonderful instrument. The carving is absolutely top notch, from the finely cut scroll and f-holes, to the wonderfully proportioned, hand carved body, the maker used fine old, mature flame maple and old spruce to produce that desireable tonal quality that violinists are always seeking. Very high arching contributes to it's power.
POWERFUL, BEAUTIFUL SOUND ~ LISTEN TO IT
Click on the Arrow in the TOOLBAR above to hear the sound sample. This video clip was shot on my inexpensive point & shoot camera in video mode. There is absolutely no enhancement of the sound whatsoever. There are no special microphones used, no computerized or studio effects. I shooot it in the corner of my family room (the only uncluttered corner in the house). The piece is Star of County Down; the violinist is a 9th grader and a violin student...he welcomes your feedback on his performance.
The beauty of the fine curly maple back is evident; an unusual flaming maple. The sound is rich and mature as you would expect of a custom, hand made violin that is 127 years old. The violinist in the video that I've prepared for you is an 8th grader and a violin student. I shot it on my inexpensive point & shoot camera...no fancy microphones, no special effects or alteration. Just the pure, unadulterated sounds of an extremely fine, well made violin. The label is handwritten. It is dated 1881 and has what I believe is a Roman Numeral, then R L Roberts, Los Angeles, Calif. My spelling of the name may be off as I'm interpreting the maker's handwriting.
The condition is excellent for a violin of this age. The finish is just gorgeous, glowing in a way that is the result of father time. Perhaps it has already had some restoration. I don't see any open cracks or major issues; just a possible hairline at the bottom button that is tight and stable. It's probably been there for over a century and has no affect on the beautiful, robust sound of the violin. There are, of course, the usual minor dings that you'd expect on an instrument of this age. The maker has signed and dated the instrument on the inside. I've given it my best read, but it is hand written and may differ somewhat from the spelling I've shown. There are minor signs of age, but nothing that affects the sound or playability, just the normal patina and signs of age that in my opinion, add to the violin's character and validate the age of the instrument.
This Violin is from the Collection of a Professional Orchestra Violinist from Philadelphia This instrument was part of the collection of a lifelong orchestra violinist from Philadelphia...a professional violinist who spent a lifetime performing, traveling and collecting fine instruments that I have the privilege of presenting on Ebay. Please to listen to this violin and view the pictures; and if you have any questions, please write me...that's what I'm here for.
Full Size, 4/4 Violin. Measurements: 4/4 Violin. The back is 14 inches; 8" across the lower bout; 6-1/2" across the upper bout. Overall 23 1/4 inches. The arching of this violin contribute to it's power and big, resonant sound.
This fine violin will be sold without reserve. I have started the auction with a low starting bid to allow everyone to participate. It is an estate item and as such is sold here as is, as I found it. There are no returns, thanks. This violin will ship in an older case to protect it in shipping, but a nice vintage violin such as this deserves a new case as this case, while fine for shipping, needs updating; there is no bow.
Shipping to the continental U.S. (lower 48 states) is $26.00 plus insurance. I require insurance and will add the insurance fee to the total. Ships to the U.S.only. No local pickup. Payment must be made within 7 days of the end of auction. The strength of Ebay is in the kindness and consideration that we show each other. I stick with a genuine auction format...no reserves and a low starting bid so that everyone can participate. I reserve the right to cancel bids due to bidding irregularities, zero, low or negative feedback, feedback for non-payment, or from bidders who do no respond to emails. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions that you might have, that's what I'm here for and encourage pre-bidding questions and communication.
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