Hiroshi Kono Violin Tokyo Made in 2023 – Fantastic Sound!

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Label Reads:

Handmade violin from Tokyo, Japan. This violin is made very well. The gentle arching on the top plate allows this violin to project and have power. The violin has a one-piece back and the spruce top has an even grain. The maple flame on the back is stunning. The varnish is tastefully antiqued with a distressed pattern on the top and back. Here in our workshop we have done all the setup of the instrument. The body is made for us and then we custom fit of all of the parts. The violin received a set of pegs, chin rest, rework of the ebony nut, new soundpost, and handmade B grade Despiau bridge, which is a 200-year-old plus piece of French maple. Violinist Joshua Bell has many of his students purchase this violin to grow with. It has the sound I’m sure he is looking for that a serious musician can appreciate with an unexpected very affordable price. The custom set up is what makes these violins jump.

Corpus 357.0 mm., Major Width 200.0 mm., Minor Width 163.5 mm., Rib Height 30.0 mm.

The sound on the Kono is a WOW in my book. The sound is lush, rich, and powerful. Over the top in goodness on the lower strings. Every once in a while, I come across a new gem that has a sound that is so nice that I want to keep it few months so I get to play it in our church’s worship team. This violin stands out in the sound area and would also fit well for a player who is a serious fiddler. The A and E are just as nice as the bottom, or even better. The top is sweet with strength. The power and life in the top strings unleashes all the overtones. The violin also speaks very well at a softer dynamic level with a pernambuco bow. The instrument is so easy to play, and the response again is instant. This violin has a great sound, and beautiful antiqued varnish.