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In the "Dictionary of British Violin & Bow
Makers" by Dennis G. Plowright the entry reads: "A wheelwright
who made a good number of violins, violas, cellos and at least one
double bass. His work, on standard patterns, is heavy but in no
way crude. He used a good oil varnish generally golden brown shades.
The double bass was well made on the Panormo model with a whole
back and the belly made of Pirana pine cut on the slab and varnished
with a brown, probably spirit varnish." This description is
without question referring to this same instrument that I and B's
recently purchased from a private source in the town of Louth, Lincolnshire.
The table wood is cut on the quarter from a type of Pitch pine that
Plowright refers to as "Pirana" pine and a most unusual
and spectacular grain effect is produced that looks somewhat like
a tigers skin in appearance. The carved back of this instrument
is incredibly made in one piece that is also cut on the quarter.
The odd branch marking in the back helping to produce delightful
grain markings. The rib wood is somewhat plain.
Based on the early Italian period of Vincenzo Panormo's
work - on the model so seldom seen with smaller dimensions - but
without any angel break on the back. This is a nicely made violin
shaped instrument in overall exceptional condition. Visually appealing
and with a look that it was made well before 1845 this instrument
will not go un-noticed by ones colleagues who are bound to ask if
it is a master Italian. With an impressive and similar sound that
will match many Italians in the 40k class - a new neck and fingerboard
and the latest Helicore orchestral strings from D'Addario - what
more do you want?
L.O.B 44in (111.8cm)
String Length 42.8 (108.7cm)
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