Advocatus Diaboli

Looks to me like it’s a photo of the Plowden. A couple things to keep in mind; Del Gesu ff holes are laid out from the centerline, not the outline. If you laid them out via the outline and have them in a lower position the lower eyes will spread outwards, adding to the angle you’re referring to. Second, working from an ff hole tracing or running is always best. If you don’t have access to a tracing of the specific instrument you’re using as a model but have one by the same maker for a similar period you can make a hybrid template using the tracing to get the basic proportions correct and then adjusting the lines by eye via the photos.

I personally would lump those into the ‘modern’ category.

I sell more modern instruments in that price range than old ones. I’d take that to mean that overall musicians think they perform better than older ones of a similar price.

If your aim is to accurately capture instruments, this is the only polarizing filter I’d recommend. https://breakthrough.photography/products/x4-circular-polarizer Lighting is one of, if not the, most important aspects. Sounds like you already have decent glass (second most important, IMO), so that’s what I’d focus on. I’ve shot nice instruments with broad spectrum LEDs and tungsten hot lights, but I only use strobes if I have the option. Sometimes it’s not practical to travel with them and can’t rent them locally, but 99% of the time they’re what I use.

Love it!

It is. I’m sure that could be arranged.

Yes.

Varnish texture becoming a little more apparent after a year.

365nm.

Untrue, like Michael said. All things considered, it has quite a bit about it that’s original.

Assuming you’re talking about authenticity, there’s no reason to question that. John Becker restored it early in his career before Bein and Fushi sold it to Bill.

I sent a pm with them.

Yes and yes.

I think I sent it to you in 2016, so it’s probably long past its best. I judge by smell and test strips. I’m going to keep that to myself for the time being