Lawrence Cocker Violin, Derby, England – 1949 – SOLD JANUARY 11, 2024 –

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Lawrence Cocker was born in 1908 and died in 1982 in Derby, UK. A self-taught and innovative maker of violins and bows, he was largely known for inventing the split cane bow where bamboo was grafted onto a pernambuco head and handle. Cocker was well respected by colleagues within the English trade. In 1949 he received a Diploma of Honour at The Hague. He used a Millington varnish and later developed his own cooked copal varnish recipe with a deep rust brown tint. Cocker was closely involved with the famous violist Lionel Tertis and helped develop the Tertis model viola, a large pattern instrument that is almost pear shaped.
Our violin is well proportioned and attractive with its deep rust varnish. The spruce top has a tight grain, and the back is one-piece maple with a beautiful curl. All ebony fittings complete the new set up. The condition is excellent, and the varnish is very well preserved.

Corpus 357.5 mm., Major Width 209.0 mm., Minor Width 169.0 mm., Rib Height 29.0 mm

The sound is engaging with plenty of voice and simply sounds excellent. The G and D are warm, responsive, full of character and plenty of power. The treble side is beautiful with a brilliant response. There are no weak spots in the violin. This violin will lend itself well to orchestral music as well as a Scottish, Irish, or American fiddler looking for an instrument with a little edge on the treble side.