Matsuda Violin

[Doublestop]

Does anyone have any experience or opinion about violins by Tetsuo Matsuda? In particular, his Guaneri La Font model.

Any comment on his violins or reputation as a maker will be appreciated.

[This message has been edited by Doublestop (edited 11-05-2000).]

[Doublestop]

No reponse in 24 hours. Deoes this mean no one has heard of Tetsuo Matsuda?

[mlbouquet]

Take a look at the thread "What Makes New Violins Worth $$$" down the page a bit.

Matsuda got discussed there.

[FrankH]

Here is a website I found with some information on Matsuda violins:

http://www.texasviolins.com/violins/violins.html

[Lydia Leong]

Matsuda's instruments are pushed pretty heavily by Bein and Fushi -- I believe he's a resident maker there. (Or at least this was true the last time I looked at instruments by him.)

I played several of his instruments, about fifteen years ago, while looking for a violin for myself, and again about ten years ago, while helping my little sister look for a violin. I did not like any of the instruments as much as other modern violins I tried in that price range (about $12K-15K, if I recall correctly).

However, a number of youth symphony colleagues of mine instruments of his and were happy with them. (Note that these are definitely not student-class instruments, though, nor are they priced that way.)

[Doublestop]

Thanks for the referral, mlbouquet and FrankH.

Originally posted by Lydia Leong:

Matsuda's instruments are pushed pretty heavily by Bein and Fushi -- I believe he's a resident maker there. (Or at least this was true the last time I looked at instruments by him.)

Ms. Leong, Matsuda instruments are "pushed" by Bein and Fushi because Matsuda lives in Barrington, which is a suburb of Chicago where B&F is based.

I played several of his instruments, about fifteen years ago, while looking for a violin for myself, and again about ten years ago, while helping my little sister look for a violin. I did not like any of the instruments as much as other modern violins I tried in that price range (about $12K-15K, if I recall correctly).

Can you elaborate on why you did not like the Matsuda instrument? I found it to have a big, powerful and resonant sound although not particularly sweet. I tested a Matsuda along with a Tadioli; the Tadioli sounded anemic by comparison.

[mlbouquet]

Doublestop,

I think you acknowledged owning a Matsuda here back in January, unless I'm misunderstanding your post.

http://fingerboard.maestronet.com/ubb/Foru...TML/000278.html

I get the impression that you're doing a little cheerleading here, and I think that we will all benefit when everyone tries to make a full disclosure of their affiliations. This is not to suggest that your opinion isn't valid.

Mark

[Lydia Leong]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Doublestop:

Ms. Leong, Matsuda instruments are "pushed" by Bein and Fushi because Matsuda lives in Barrington, which is a suburb of Chicago where B&F is based.

Can you elaborate on why you did not like the Matsuda instrument? I found it to have a big, powerful and resonant sound although not particularly sweet. I tested a Matsuda along with a Tadioli; the Tadioli sounded anemic by comparison.

---

There are a ton of other makers in the Chicago area, and B&F does not heavily promote their instruments. In fact, B&F's home page claims that Matsuda (and Michael Darnton) are "closely affiliated" makers, implying some kind of special status.

When I was at B&F many years ago, looking for a violin, they insisted that I try some Matsudas before anything else. I was a teenager; my parents got pushed into taking one home for a week's trial, despite the fact that I didn't like any of them.

I'm not saying that they're not good violins; they sound/play fine for an instrument in their price range. But I didn't think any of them was exceptional, in terms of either sound or playing qualitites. Nor was the tone to my tastes. There wasn't really anything that I found *objectionable*, though -- merely, "yeah, this is okay, but it's nothing that really grabs me."

There are tons of very good instruments in that price range. Compare as many as you cam -- dozens, if possible, and by different makers.

Also, I wouldn't count sound under the ear too heavily, in terms of power -- I've heard plenty of instruments with tons of power under the ear, but no real carrying power.

[Lydia Leong]

I hadn't seen Mark's post before I posted my reply.

In that case... I'm curious what else you tried, other than a Tadioli, when you bought your Matsuda, Doublestop, and why you picked it.

I have heard friends use Matsudas to do concertos with orchestra, and don't recall any projection problems, by the way, so I'm perfectly willing to believe your instrument carries well -- I'm just wondering if the Tadioli does as well, though it might not be obvious under the ear.

[Joseph]

I have played a few Tetsuo Matsuda violins and I think that they are wonderful sounding violins. Of the 6 or so that I have played within the last 4 years, I have found them to be very consistant in tone and workmanship quality. I also beleive these sell in the 12K-15K range. I had one come through my shop here for a new bridge and have also seen a few at Robertson's Violin Shop (Albuquerque, NM). I highly recommend his violins.

Regards,

Joseph Santiago

[Doublestop]

quote:

---

Originally posted by mlbouquet:

Doublestop,

I think you acknowledged owning a Matsuda here back in January, unless I'm misunderstanding your post.

http://fingerboard.maestronet.com/ubb/Foru...TML/000278.html

I get the impression that you're doing a little cheerleading here, and I think that we will all benefit when everyone tries to make a full disclosure of their affiliations. This is not to suggest that your opinion isn't valid.

Mark

---

No intention to lead any cheer here. I only wanted to see how others feel about this one particular maker. As noted in my original posting, I was looking for other's opinion and experience. And please note my one comment on the Matsuda was in my response to Ms. Leong and it was not what I would call glowing as I tried to be objective.

I also own a no name old violin, a Jeandel bow, a Messing bow, a Sartory bow, and a couple Musafia cases. I have a Wolf shoulder rest as well as a Kun. I use Dominant strings. My teacher was a classmate of Perlman's under DeLay and Galamian. How's that for full disclosure?

[Doublestop]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lydia Leong:

In that case... I'm curious what else you tried, other than a Tadioli, when you bought your Matsuda, Doublestop, and why you picked it.

I have heard friends use Matsudas to do concertos with orchestra, and don't recall any projection problems, by the way, so I'm perfectly willing to believe your instrument carries well -- I'm just wondering if the Tadioli does as well, though it might not be obvious under the ear.

---

Good point about the sound under the ear! The Tadioli may carry just as well.

I picked the Matsuda based on hearing and playing one that belongs to my teacher. I also did some research on American makers who have built certain reputations such as David Folland, Francis Kuttner, David Gusset, Greg Alf, Scott Cao, etc. BTW, I did NOT buy my teacher's Matsuda. I commissioned one from the maker directly.

[Tom Buena Park]

I own a Matusda Strad model violin, single piece back. Worked at Bein & Fushi when a young man as well. There, I learned much about Scientology and well made stringed instruments that sound great. 

There's a reason why Beckers and Matsuda's increase in value over time. 

 

I love my Matusda. Everyone mistakes it for something more expensive.