Elegant Old Joh. Bapt Schweitzer Violin German circa 1880- Great Sound!

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J. B. Schweitzer was an actual maker in Budapest in the early-to-mid 1800’s but his name was used in many thousands of trade instruments. The instruments were made in Markneukirchen, Germany and what is now the Czech Republic from 1870 into the early 1900’s. This violin features a one-piece back with medium width curl and a spruce top with even, straight grain. Finished in a darker amber/brown varnish, the instrument carries with it antiquing marks, vertical lines on the top plate placed there by the maker, and a fake neck graft, all to make the instrument appear even older than it is. The varnish is exquisite: all hand drawn, antiqued, simulated wear with the amber/brown oil varnish on a golden yellow/brown ground. It is in very good condition. We carved a new set of pegs, bushed the G peg holes, cut a new bridge and soundpost, and finished the instrument with an old tailpiece I had in my collection with a mother-of-pearl etched flower design, new chin rest, and the original ebony end button.

Corpus 363.0 mm Major Width 206.0 mm Minor Width 168.0 mm Rib Height 28.5 – 29.0 mm

The violin has a great response and a mature romantic bottom end. Wow! The tone throughout its range is deep with a strong sound in character. The violin responds well with just a little pressure from the bow. The sound jumps while being clean and clear. The treble side rings with strength and power too. I love it, not too much strength, just enough for your stand partner to notice you and your violin. In short, the violin has some guts, a little edginess to voice which I love in a violin. It gives the instrument some presence and helps the sound jump a bit. The set up makes it easy to play; we also say the violin simply lays well. The violin has a nice rise in the neck at 5th position which makes it easy to get up into 5th through 7th positions. This violin has great bones – classic look with a generous amount of character in the patina. The instrument has been played for over a century and well taken care of. I can’t wait to see who will end up with this violin and treasure it for another 50-60 years.