Mark Neukirchen

Thank you, Michael. Here is a quote from the magazine -- “The handsome violin illustrated here is of particular interest as its dimensions are identical with those of a ‘Long Strad.’ Mr. (Alfred) Langonet comments that it is the first Montagnana made on this pattern he has seen in forty years of experience of handling fine instruments. The length is 14 5/16 ins. and lower bouts 8 1/16 ins. The varnish is a most attractive red-brown on a golden ground. We are indebted to Messrs. C.F. Langonet & Son of 71 Brondesbury Rd. N.W.6. for details and photographs of this interesting instrument.”

I recently read an article from Strad Magazine, September 1970, which discusses a 1730 Montagnana violin with a body length of 14 5/16” (363.5 mm) and a lower bout of 8 1/16” (204.8 mm). I’m curious if Montagnana actually made violins with these dimensions, or is this likely a case of an incorrect attribution? Thanks for any replies.

For your entertainment pleasure. https://www.ebay.com/itm/115915755901?hash=item1afd1e117d%3Ag%3AXXoAAOSwQWVlA2hu&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAABIDYSsg%2BNat5RkdPAkwsYT%2FcVgEmpmIyZAK9m%2FHCCW%2F8b7rIY5wTAtJzaN%2BTt6zKZYJEoDZIUM6I6a3cXXDWCwmyR%2BG51hBoHnhjiJavLPd5kGj8j55mvL9s544Wd4nK109glKjlmhbJ4HoKNWyUEWIJKrnIAvJlqWHS7LKTH80MmYl3BAwvmz3bGEAOjScy44FnUNUxVTa2w5UQji5XtqKaj%2FXmGiaGS2AJ0B8Vyl%2Fi2ZIAvD%2FJIo77EpGOxUDB870qnYhY2gsGuJizgQ%2Bicrs%2FmmU8Nd5qp%2F3Mx%2FHX7HCnku2nLWXgVis4riV%2B%2F01UrOtrmDGzAb8mJvREOXso4XbOc0hJhukCnOChY0gLRKMduFpNV%2Frel0iX4fUIK8R%2B6ag%3D%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR4LluNXSYg&LH_BIN=1

The information I have on the bow was obtained only in passing, however it is my understanding that it's a Dominque. I do not know the reason why the bushings were installed or the credibility of the individual or firm claiming its authenticity. Thank you all for your comments...and a special thanks to Martin for sharing his knowledge so generously.

A friend of mine is considering the purchase of fine old Peccatte viola bow, however its nipple and inner bore have been bushed. I was just curious how much of a price impact this type of restoration will typically have on a bow of this caliber?

Yes, your conclusion is speculative, along with your unnecessary derogatory comments.

I still do not understand why you feel that any form of deception was intended. Since the maker was able to use glued in bars in repairs and chose not to utilize them for new instruments, isn't it also then possible that integral bars were simply perceived by the maker to be superior to glued in bars?

The "usual uninformed," ouch. (Note to self, do not participate in Blank Face quizzes in the future, lol.) I am curious, though, as to why you believe that the amount of detail work that went into creating that bar was performed strictly to deceive instead of just being a sign of good craftsmanship when utilizing this style of bar?

I’m putting my money on a glued bar. While the photo shows the back of a rather crude f-hole that is somewhat typical of violins with integral bass bars, the bottom of the bar shows a distinct, consistent corner break along its edge, indicating that it was likely made independent from the top. In addition, the precise form of the top to bar angle coupled with the precision of the straight line established by the bar would be very difficult to achieve in an integral bar. JMHO

I think it’s safe to say that the minimum value is strictly relative to the level of instrument knowledge possessed by the buyer. For example, a knowledgeable person may be able to locate a very nice old violin on eBay or Craigslist for several hundred dollars. That same nice old violin in a retail shop could be justifiably priced at several thousand dollars or more. The risk verses reward principle applies. If you want to pay the lower price, you will likely have to accept a higher level of risk in order to obtain the higher potential reward. The higher retail price paid to a reputable dealer should, at least in theory, eliminate the risk of getting something unusable or seriously defective. In any event, caveat emptor.

I have the utmost respect for the incredible skill required to be a good bow maker, yet I’ve always wondered about one thing. With such careful hands and amazing attention to detail, why is it rather commonplace for the makers stamp to be crooked?

The estimate proved to be a bit on the conservative side. Any thoughts as to who made it? https://t2-auctions.com/auctions/lot/?csid=2198913024&cpid=3542040576&filter_key=

. .

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Thank you for sharing your insight and thoughts on this violin. May I ask your opinion as to what constitutes a composite component verses a replacement part? For example, would it be normal industry practice to identify a violin as a composite, even if the replacement part was expertly made specifically for the instrument?