|
There is definitely a shortage of five string instruments
that fit this description - so it is with quite some pride that
this well presented, superb sounding instrument is up and ready
to go.
You'll be pleased to know that along with the good
looks and sound - the model and proportions of this instrument
make it a very manageable one to play indeed. Just take a look
at the stats. The length of back measurement is only 111.6cm and
the string length is a mere 106.1cm.
The violin outline and gentle arching is Strad influenced.
Yes. A well proportioned model coupled with arching
that is gentle and flows is always conducive to a well sounding
instrument.
The back and ribs are constructed from a lightly-figured
maple and the front is made from straight-grained spruce of a medium
to wide width.
The light-brown spirit varnish over a yellow ground
is the original and is in an excellent state of preservation.
No - unfortunately there are no internal labels
or inscriptions.
At the time that this instrument was made - there
was a strong market preference for instruments that looked much
older than they actually were. The idea then of this "staining
beneath the varnish" was that it simulated the appearance
of a long-term build up of ingrained rosin deposits. This technique
was regularly utilized by the manufacturing companies of Louis
Löwendall
(1842-1918) in both Dresden and Berlin.
Yes - the features of the instrument - the
model, the timber, the workmanship, the varnish and in particular
the "cosmetic
ageing" do strongly suggest this important violin making
area.
Yes - the brass tuning machines do look absolutely
stunning. They were designed and made by hand here in England.
The beautiful figure of the new maple neck has been
brought out and enhanced by a super-high level finish. Onto the
upper surface of the neck we've fitted a top-quality fingerboard
of the most sublime quality. When you play the instrument we think
that you'll agree that both neck and board feel as good as they
look. And that is super-smoooo...th.
Yes - we've fitted some beautiful boxwood adjusters
to a top quality Chevalets Despieu bridge. If you do have to make
the odd adjustment to the height of the bridge - we reckon that
you'll be mighty impressed by how easy they are to use and just
how great they feel in the hand.
Yes - we always like to present out instruments
in the best way possible.
The G-E strings are Thomastic Belcanto. The low
B is a Thomastic Superflexible. We boffins at The Contrabass Shoppe
think that this combination is both responsive and full sounding.
It has deep, dark, tonally rich sounds. The sort
of sounds that are the fundamentals of any orchestra.
Sound alone should sell this instrument - but the
fact is - there really is a quite extensive list of positives that
make this the sort instrument that should be placed high up on
your wanted list. Firstly it is a five string, secondly it is an
excellent model, third - it is well made, fourth - it is very playable,
fifth - it looks and feels good and sixth - it is in fabulous structural
condition. If all that isn't enough to "float your boat" -
then I am quite positive that the price will. With old 5-string
- English and Italian instruments virtually unobtainable and in
most cases - financially - well beyond the reach of most - this
"complete" orchestral
instrument surely is unbeatable value for money.
LOB (length of back) - 111.6cm (44.0in)
Width across upper bouts - 52.6cm (22.70in)
Width across middle bouts - 37.7cm (14.85in)
Width across lower bouts - 68.7cm (27.10in)
Depth of lower ribs inc both plates - 22.8cm (8.95in)
String length - 106.1cm (41.75in)
|
