Violin Forum/Message Board

Mat Roop

I have acquired this violin that came with a (partly) silver mounted Dodd bow. I have never seen such a beast, but it comes from a pharmacist from a rather well to do Irish family from Jersey and Toronto. It appears to me that this was originally skillfully made (pre 1920) although some of the features are not at all traditional (that I am aware of) such as the back is wrapped around exposing the heel of the neck and the corners are quite unusual. There is a lot of damage and past repair including a square peg bushing.
Any thoughts on this instrument or what may have inspired it would be appreciated!
Cheers, Mat
Ps... note the classic damage from overtightened chinrest

MWard · Junior Member Joined: 19 Oct 2010 Posts: 17

I will venture some guesses. The unusual neck is not original to the instrument. I think the neck and button were broken off at one point, shattering some ribs with it, and this was someone's answer to fixing it. As to the rest of the fiddle, I recall seeing things like that in old paintings. I would take it to someone reputable who really knows his onions when it comes to fiddles. It could be a baroque period instrument, though I cant tell from the picture how old it is. But I do like the shape.
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Violin Repair Guy · Junior Member Joined: 09 Sep 2010 Posts: 13

Sorry, I do not have any helpful info. It does look a bit rough and I agree with MWard that the neck does look broken off. I hate when people put the chin rest on too tight.
This violin has some pretty bad repairs to be made.
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Dave Chandler · Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 5:46 pm Post subject: Recognize

I think its really cool and worth restoring, and looks celtic to me.
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Dave in the Blue Ridge
Southern Violin Association

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to the next with no loss of enthusiasm" Winston Churchill

"I took the road less travelled, and now I don't know where I am." Marco Polo

Mat Roop · Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 7:51 pm Post subject:

I agree Dave... That is why I picked it up... I am sure it is a piece of folk art. Apparently there was a good custom furniture maker in the family... But my research goes on.
As far as restoration... I guess I will get my full share of practice on doubling the top, back and ribs. Once I take the top off, I will be able to assess the strength of the neck attachment method.
Cheers, Mat

Dave Chandler · Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 7:55 pm Post subject: Old violin

I think the neck attachment was intentional, judging by the way the purfling stops and leaves a gap.
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Dave in the Blue Ridge
Southern Violin Association

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to the next with no loss of enthusiasm" Winston Churchill

"I took the road less travelled, and now I don't know where I am." Marco Polo

Dave Chandler · Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2010 7:59 pm Post subject: Old violin

It'll be interesting to see how its blocked and lined, particularly around the neck attachment. I hope you'll post some photos with the top off.
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Dave in the Blue Ridge
Southern Violin Association

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to the next with no loss of enthusiasm" Winston Churchill

"I took the road less travelled, and now I don't know where I am." Marco Polo

MWard · Junior Member Joined: 19 Oct 2010 Posts: 17

I think the purfling stops and leaves a gap because there is a piece of added wood to each side of the neck. You can see the seam and a different varnish.
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May I always be the person my dog thinks I am.

Dave Chandler · Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 12:19 am Post subject: Old Fiddle

M.Ward -- yes, as you point out, it does look that way.

I'd be tempted to disassemble completely, build a mould to fit the belly, and remount all the blocks and ribs. Go from there with the rest.
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Dave in the Blue Ridge
Southern Violin Association

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to the next with no loss of enthusiasm" Winston Churchill

"I took the road less travelled, and now I don't know where I am." Marco Polo

famuswood · Member Joined: 28 Sep 2009 Posts: 75 Location: Smyrna, TN

I was reminded of a picture I had seen in the book Violin making as it was and is by Ed. Heron-Allen. On page 110 there is a picture of a violin that has some similarities to yours. The scroll is traditional and the sound holes are turned in the opposite direction but there are no corners (at all) I was curious to know if your violin has a longer than traditional neck - as this was a feature of this violin. Check it out sometime.
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Mat Roop · Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2010 12:31 pm Post subject:

Famus... thanks for the reference... I had read that book a few years ago... but alas I don't have the youthful memory you have!
The neck stop is 130, body stop 190 (a little short), upper bout 178 (a little wide), Middle bout 111, lower bout 191 (a little narrow).
Hmmm... I'm getting convinced it is folk art.
Cheers, Mat

ghammond · Member Joined: 22 Jan 2011 Posts: 42

Is there any indication of a label inside the violin?

-G

WalterOB · Junior Member Joined: 11 Feb 2011 Posts: 3

It kind of reminds me of Busetto style basses.