Violin opinions?

[Niam]

Hello, im completely new to this site, and I dont know if im doing this right. Anyways..

Let me introduce myself, i'm Niam, a violin dealer in UK and I have acquired a lovely looking violin. I would like to hear your opinions about anything about the violin (value? origin, age, etc). I'd love to hear different insights. The violin is in perfect condition and has fluted f-holes, a nice blonde varnish and well done purfling. Im hoping the pictures will upload and that i did it right O.o

Thanks!

 

[MarkBouquet]

Deleted

[Ratcliffiddles]

Isn't that just a factory German violin made in the last 40 years??

[martin swan]

I agree with Peter, though I think it could be a bit older, possibly pre-WWII.

Saxony or Lüby ...

I've seen dozens of violins with pegbox walls that thin which are still doing sterling service after 100 years or so, so I wouldn't be concerned about that. I think you'll find there's a bit of a chamfer on the inner surface which the blackening exaggerates, and by the time you get back to the peg-hole it's not so thin.

[Blank face]

The origin is obvious, the age is hard to define, I think that they were made between 1930 and 1980 in the same way, possibly even later.

[uncle duke]

Could that be American maple by any chance?

[Melvin Goldsmith]

Could that be American maple by any chance?

Maple like that grows in most of Europe....the wide growth rings indicate low altitude warmer type climate

[Craig Tucker]

Great job taking and posting those photos, Niam.

[deans]

I would also agree that its a German trade instrument, maybe 80 years old or so. It looks like its been revarnished, making it look newer.

[Rue]

I have a circa 1910 decorated violin with very thin walls on the peg box...which did break at some point in it's history and was repaired.  I also had the peg holes rebushed several years ago.  It seems to be holding well despite everything.

[martin swan]

Hello, im completely new to this site, and I dont know if im doing this right. Anyways..

Let me introduce myself, i'm Niam, a violin dealer in UK and I have acquired a lovely looking violin. I would like to hear your opinions about anything about the violin (value? origin, age, etc). I'd love to hear different insights. The violin is in perfect condition and has fluted f-holes, a nice blonde varnish and well done purfling. Im hoping the pictures will upload and that i did it right O.o

Thanks!

Hi Niam,

Yes, nice photos, and well done for getting them on this site.

However, there is a reason why new members are expected to have a few posts under their belt before they are allowed to post photos.

 

I followed your thread about this violin on Facebook Violinists, in which you stated that you had shown the violin to a London expert, who had told you that the violin was French or Scottish, and worth around £3000. I laughed politely at this - it would seem to me that either this London expert had recently returned from a liquid lunch, or that he/she was imaginary. Within minutes you had removed the post on Facebook and cancelled your entire Niam Etc ... identity, which aroused by curiosity even further.

However, before you disappeared, I couldn't help noticing that you described yourself as working at Bromptons Auctioneers. is this correct? I thought I knew everyone there.

If you plan to deal in violins online, I'm probably doing a favour by pointing out that there is no way that you can offer information when it suits you and then withdraw it when it doesn't. It's a surprisingly small world.

[not telling]

I can almost hear the bullwhip cracking on Niam's imaginary ass.

[Violadamore]

Since this appears to be advertising in violation of MN rules, one might as well make the most of it.  IMHO, it's unquestionably "rubbish" (what Jacob S has often called Markies) and grist to my mill.  Let the bidding begin.  I offer $20 USD and expect free shipping.  Have a nice day!!     

[MarkBouquet]

Deleted

[bungling_amateur]

"

 

 

 

 is a reason why new members are expected to have a few posts under their belt before they are allowed to post photos

 

 

 

Oops, now I feel silly for starting with a photo thread! At least my virtual arse seems pristine for the moment though!

[akaBobH]

The over stand is very high......neck angle problems? Top from sawn billet...Can't out -bid Vda

[not telling]

Imaginary and virtual, and he's definitely doing it wrong.  So glad the poster helpfully pointed out the lamely fluted f-holes so no one can mistake it for a lesser trade fiddle.  Nice price on that thing. 

[Violadamore]

On second thought, the more I look at this thing, the more I wonder if the Chinese have finally learned to copy "the usual rubbish".  Scary thought.....  

[Blank face]

Regarding this factory violins from Markneukirchen or Schönbach/later Luby (from where the OP without any doubt originated), we should remember that the date of producing the white body ain't necessary the same as finishing the complete instrument and delivering it to the trade - it could be stored somewhere for many, many years before varnish, fittings etc. were applied.

I had several violins from this region which I supposed that the work of the body looked more prewar, but the varnish more "modern" (50s, 60s or later). Also to me there were offered several times old white bodies , sometimes stamped inside even with brands of Markneukirchen makers.

 

Of course do the somehow wobbly ffs (which could be easily have been fluted many years after they were cut into the white box) and the fast-milled scroll with the typical exegerrated thin walls give the impression of a prewar box, while the varnish (and also fingerboard, nut and pegs) looks fresh, nearly untouched and, I agree here with VdA , like what we know as chinese.

Maybe somebody found or bought an old white box and decided to finish it with commercial available varnish and a spray pistol, not long ago - nothing very unusual.