John Bapt. Schweitzer – Violin, Circa 1880 – SOLD AUGUST 26, 2022 –

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Label Reads:

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. Finished in an amber/brown darker varnish, the instrument carries antiquing marks placed by the maker and a fake neck graft, all to make the instrument appear even older than it is. The Schweitzer features a one-piece back and a spruce top with even, straight grain. The instrument is in very good condition; we restored one corner and a lower edge. We have meticulously gone over the violin with a new set up in our workshop.

Corpus 361.0 mm., Major Width 202.0 mm., Minor Width 162.0 mm., Rib Height 30.0 mm.

The sound is active and resonant. The bottom end has a rich, mature tone throughout its range, almost woody in tonal character. The response off the strings is very good. The sound in the treble strings rings well. The sound is clear and leans a little to a brilliant sound. The violin is easy to play, lays well, and is simply fun to play.