Montagnana Body Dimensions

[Mark Neukirchen]

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.

[Michael Darnton]

I have numbers for two: 357/205 and 358/210. If this thread is still running in a couple of weeks I think I have drawings of a few more at work.

[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.”

[Ken_N]

The Montagnana that I've made from the Strad Poster "exactly" fits del Gesu mold. Though it is a bit larger (0verhangs, are 2.8-3), the curves are in all the same places. But with pointy corners, not stubby ones.Very high arch, that I think looks cool. It comes out playing nicely, I've done 3, and they all work. One with a very light Englemann belly (.32? sg.) and a heavy flamed Birch back, is very easy to play.

You have to be imaginative on the neck setting with the high arch. My poster was a folded one, and it is in pieces! I need to buy a rolled one. I like it. 

355/167/105/204 taking averages.

I like the look of it. If I could get the red over gold varnish. And crackel too!  It does seem that the red wasn't everywhere right from the beginning.  Why did it start in italics? It won't click off. Weirdness.