This is a Francois Guillmont Aix-la-Chapelle violin. Despite the French name, it is fairly common knowledge that this was a top-level brand made by the Ernst Reinhold Schmidt workshop in Germany. E. R. Schmidt was one of the internationally successful companies that influenced Markneukirchen violin making at its zenith. This is the second Guillmont I have owned, and it is of reliably high quality craftsmanship.
It is a full-sized violin, measuring about 23 3/4" in length, 14" for the body, 6 1/2" on the upper bout, and 8" on the lower. The soundboard is made of narrow-grained spruce, varnished in a burgundy brown hue, with minor saddle and upper bout cracks that were all professionally repaired long ago and are rock solid. There are no soundpost or bass bar cracks. The back is a single piece of attractively flamed maple. The violin was fitted with new pegs, tailpiece, and chinrest, and sports new D'Addario Helicore strings. In addition to the Guillmont label, there is a service sticker inside that says: Rebuilt by E. J. Bonner April 23, 1933 Modesto Cal.
This brand of fiddle has gained fame over the years by virtue of its having been played by several professional musicians, but among the most notable is Ron Stewart, renowned bluegrass fiddler, banjoist, and mandolinist. The tone practically jumps out of the body, with a strong, dark, woody bottom end and a powerful, yet sweet upper register. It will be heard in a jam setting and the action makes it a pleasure to play. It is ideal for traditional genres like bluegrass, old-time, country, and western swing, but not limited in its appeal. It will not disappoint.
For a brief video clip, here's the link: youtu.be/GdLvpISAdsw
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For Sale: Francois Guillmont Violin 1890-1900 (E.R. Schmidt) with Powerful, Dark Tone - $1,150 USD
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For Sale: 2018 Stephen Perry benchmade fiddle, new from maker - $3,800 USD
Just finished a wonderful bearclaw top fiddle. Generic Strad pattern. European woods throughout. 356 mm long, bouts of 166, 105, 207. Two piece highly figured back, wonderful bearclaw top. Varnish made here of sandarac, lac, mastic, elemi, Venetian turpentine. Casein ground. set in ebony, except for the Wittner ultra fine-tuner tailpiece. Helicore strings at the moment. Waiting to put chinrest on until someone wants it. The instrument is intentionally left unsanded, with some tool marks. Varnish is lush and a bit soft. Should wear in beautifully. This was a bit of an experiment, so I have priced it low. Very nice clear and big sound. Best to come try it out if you're interested.
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For Sale: New Hiroshi Kono 4/4 violin set as fiddle - Make Offer! - $2,650 USD
I set this fine new Hiroshi Kono up as a fiddle (with normal classical bridge arch). These are hand made in Japan, with varnish by Bill Weaver in Maryland. The setup on this one includes my complete reworking, with neck shaped, new post, reworked bridge, lots of acoustic tweaking, and Prim strings. The tailpiece is a Wittner ultra with fine tuners. A wide range of people play these as backup instruments to their regular performance violins. I think it's a fine fiddle! If you'd like dimensions or other information, I reverse engineered it as much as I could
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For Sale or Trade: Czech Strad Copy 15 1/2 Viola - $225 USD
This viola is in excellent condition, A friend saw this at an estate sale, where it was described as a violin, sent me a picture, it looked great and he bought it on my behalf. It was a 15 1/2" viola. I'm just trying to recover my money. On Ebay similar ones are selling for $350 to $450. I would trade for a fiddle in similar condition and quality. It has a great case and case cover and bow. If I don't send it down the road here, I will put it on Ebay and hope for a bit more dollars. Feel free to contact me if you have questions. I would guess age to be between 30's and 50's...but that us just a guess
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For Sale: A Fine and Interesting Old American Violin by Oscar Davis c. 1940, Bow, New Case - $1,299 USD
Here is your chance to own a unique American beauty!
This full-size violin was made by Oscar Davis in Stewart, Ohio in 1940, and bears his original handwritten label. It is a fascinating violin. According to his grand niece, Oscar Davis was a well-known Ohio fiddle player as well as an engineer and violin-maker. I am quite certain that this is a fiddle made for playing fiddle music. This is a perfect violin for old-timey, bluegrass, or other traditional music.
The top is made of tightly-grained cedar. The back, ribs, neck, and scroll are carved from highly-flamed mahogany, a tone wood often used in fine guitars. As you can see from the picture, the flame in the mahogany back and ribs is absolutely spectacular!
The scroll is masterfully carved. The grain of the cedar top is tight and straight. The gorgeous one-piece mahogany back is beautifully figured. The arching and f-holes are precisely and expertly carved. This is not a factory-made violin.
The transparent brown varnish is original, and was artistically applied such that the figure and flame of the wood changes with the angle of the light. Both sides are outlined with inlaid white-black-white purfling around the edges. Purfling is usually black-white-black, so this purfling gives the violin a gorgeous and unique appearance!
There are no cracks or repairs in the pegbox, and the pegs turn smoothly and hold well. The fingerboard and fittings are ebony.
I had it completely restored by a top professional luthier including having the bridge and sound post replaced, a small saddle crack repaired, the varnish touched-up, the fingerboard planed and dressed, and a new endpin and tailpiece installed. The repaired saddle crack is the only crack in the entire instrument.
The result is a beautiful, well-preserved, 78 year-old violin in perfect playing condition!
I believe that this violin was made by Oscar Davis specifically for playing traditional American fiddle music, and that is why he selected the unusual tone woods.
The original bridge that came with it (included) was flat on top, a common characteristic of old-timey and bluegrass fiddle bridges. (It was replaced with a more traditional bridge.) The fingerboard width is slightly narrower at the nut, and the neck is slightly thinner than standard classical violins, making double-stops and fast playing much easier. The action is low and comfortable, but without any buzzes up the fingerboard. All this combines to make an outstanding vintage fiddle for playing old-timey, bluegrass or other traditional music.
The tone on this fiddle is lively, bright and full, but not thin, tinny or breathy. It is focused across all 4 strings. The G and D strings are warm without being overly dark while the A and E have soprano voices with bit of edge that cuts very well when playing with guitars and banjos. This fiddle's tone and appearance match up wonderfully for the traditional fiddle music it was built for.
This violin's tone would be fine for classical music, too, but the fingerboard length is approximately 1.5 cm shorter than most classic violins.
The violin comes fitted with fresh Prim strings.
This is a rare opportunity for you to invest in an authentic, one-of-a-kind, vintage American violin from an Ohio maker at an affordable price. Ohio was a major center of American violin making during the pre-war World War II period, and included famous makers such as Rembert Wurlitzer, Robert Glier, and James Reynolds Carlisle. This original violin is a fine example of the Ohio violin-making tradition.
The dimensions are as follows:
Length of Back: 354mm
Upper Bout: 166mm
Center Bout: 116mm
Lower Bout: 203mm
Body stop: 195mm
Over stand: 2mm
Neck width at nut: 22.5mm
Fingerboard length: 256mm
The authentic violin is priced at about one-half the price you could expect to pay if you purchased it from a dealer. Unlike modern factory violins, a rare old violin like this one is an investment that can grow in value over time.
The violin comes in a new high-quality wooden-shell Shar case, and student-level bow.
All reasonable offers will be seriously considered.
I have included detailed un-retouched pictures and described the violin as best as I can. The colors are accurately captured in the pictures. I have disclosed any and all defects and repairs that I know about, so you can buy with confidence. Please feel free to ask questions or request additional pictures.
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For Sale: West Coast String Instruments 2004 Sandro Luciano 4/4 Fiddle - $1,500 USD
This is an excellent fiddle. I bought this instrument in 2005 from a well established violin dealer in Atlanta, GA and he was very sad to part with it. I played it consistently for one year then slowly stopped practicing once life took over. The sound projects strongly with a rich undertone making it a great violin for advanced players who want depth in each note. It's very well constructed with aged spruce on top and a highly flamed maple back. Golden brown varnish with slight shading. Very minor, small scratches on surface that can be easily fixed. It is missing a G string, but that can be remedied before sending it off if the buyer chooses. The fiddle comes with a extremely protective, silk interior case and one Coda Aspire bow (black). The bow is strong, responsive and offers players a powerful, yet focused sound. I began playing this fiddle as an advanced student and was blown away with how my sound improved.
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For Sale: 4/4 Maginni copy for sale - made in 1920's - $300 USD
4/4 Maggini copy for sale. Made in 1920’s, refinished sometime later.
Several professionally repaired cracks. Tuners are mismatched but function excellent. New strings and new Whitter copy tailpiece. Plastic case and new carbon fiber bow with full set of hair.
Checked out by local violin shop and was determined that instrument is set up correctly with no issues.
Prefer to sell local but will ship.
You can check out my ratings on BHO. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
$300 shipped, $275 local to Nashville TN.
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For Sale or Trade: 4/4 Violin with Permenbuco bow and hardshell case - $1,300 USD
I’m looking to trade my fiddle for a comparable price open back or resonator 5 string banjo. Also interested in selling outright based on a reasonable offer.
Here’s what I have to offer:
Fiddle is a LIW XI 4/4 violin which was re-voiced and set up by Brian Christianson at the Violin House in Nashville TN. He currently works at the Violin Shop in Nashville TN where I purchased the violin for $1,200. I have changed out the tuners to Perfection tuners, which were professionally installed. The fiddle is strung with Helicore heavy strings with a Tzigane Larsen Medium on the E string.
Bow is a Permenbuco 4/4 C. Lozer Brasis. It has all the hair. I paid $600 for the bow.
The case is a Bobelock shaped cased. I paid $130.
Also including a Bonmusica shoulder rest.
The total I paid is $1,900 excluding the tuners. These prices are without sales tax. I have receipts.
I’m looking to trade for a comparable value open back or resonator 5 string banjo within driving distance of Nashville TN. I’m also entertaining selling the instruments outright.
Open to discussion/feedback/advice.
Thanks for your time.
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For Sale: Vintage Germain Stainer 4/4 fiddle - $350 USD
~1890s vintage german factory stainer copy violin, 4/4. Great for a student or first instrument.
It's what I learned on - I've since upgraded, but want this one to go to a good home! Plays great.
One f-hole wing crack, see pictures. Repaired by a professional, doesn't affect sound or playability.
Originally purchased from bluegrass shack in 2016.
thebluegrassshack.com/fullviolins.html
No other major damage other than 100 years of patina.
Comes with case.
Sound clip: soundcloud.com/user-761198952/708a
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For Sale: Hopf Fiddle - 1880s, professionally restored - $1,000 USD
Old (Circa 1880s) Hopf fiddle
Professionally restored and revoiced by Royce Burt
Here's a link to a video Royce did of this fiddle and tells all about it.dropbox.com/s/fecmohddft1f44m/Old Violin #218 Old German Hopf model (circa 1880) Killer violin for sale.mp4?dl=0
My bride paid $850 four years ago for the fiddle and case and invested a several hundred more in Wittner geared pegs, upgrade tailpiece, chin rest, shoulder rest, and a decent quality carbon fiber bow.
$1,000 price includes fiddle with chin and shoulder rests, case, bow, Kaplan rosins, and an NS micro violin tuner.
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For Sale: Vintage 4/4 Violin from 1800's Perfect for Smaller Hands - $1,600 USD
This gorgeous full-size violin was made in Saxony (now Germany) the early-to-mid 1800's. It has a narrower-than-standard neck and fingerboard making it a perfect violin for someone with smaller hands. As the luthier who recently examined and refurbished this violin said, "It sounds great and someone is going to love that neck!"
The violin sings with a remarkably sonorous voice. It has a strong, deep, and resonant voice on the lower strings, and a rich powerful voice on the higher strings. There are no weaknesses in any of the strings, and the sound is clean and full all the way up the neck. It has excellent bow response, plenty of volume for solos, and does not lose timbre when played softly.
This violin is suitable for a professional player or an advanced student with smaller hands who wants to play faster and easier than they can with a standard width neck. A narrower neck makes playing double-stops much easier, and reduces stress and tension in your left hand. If this appeals to you, then you really should compare this violin with your current violin to feel the difference. It is a rare opportunity to get a great sounding violin with a narrower neck!
The violin does not have a maker's label. The only label reads "Trefflé Gervais Boston Mass. Repaired 1917." Trefflé Gervais was a well-known violin maker and repair person in Boston. Although the maker cannot be identified, the violin bears characteristics of being made by the Gütter family (Johann Gottlob or Georg Adam) in the the early 19th century.
The tone woods and workmanship are outstanding. The one-piece back is simply gorgeous, and was carefully carved from nicely flamed maple. The ribs are planed from similar maple. The 2-piece top is made from spruce with a very narrow grain in the center and widening toward the flanks. The original light brown varnish is highly transparent, and was carefully and artistically applied over a golden ground. The beauty of this violin is enhanced by the wear in the original varnish which displays its authentic antique character.
The violin is in excellent condition, and has been completely inspected and refurbished by a professional luthier, including fitting a new sound post, nut, and tailpiece. The bridge, nut, fingerboard, and tailpiece are all set-up to proper playing specifications. Like most old violins, it has several well-repaired cracks in the top, but no soundpost cracks, and no cracks or repairs in the back. The violin is fitted with Thomastik-Infeld Spirit strings.
The violin comes with a free brand-new Toshira Deluxe dart-shaped case from Shar music. The Toshira case is a suspension case with a strong plywood shell. It also features matched hardware, large sturdy handle, professional central latch, built-in back straps, large area for shoulder rest with Velcro restraint, lid stress-relief restraint, and covered bow ribbons.
The price for this vintage violin and new case is only $1,600.
This violin would easily cost between $3,000 and $4,000 if purchased from a dealer. Unlike new mass-produced violins imported from China, a beautiful vintage European instrument like this violin is an investment that will continue to increase in value over time.
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For Sale: 4/4 Full Flame - $650 USD
This violin came from Glen Lee Violin Shop in Kilgore Texas, Mr. Lee retired a few years back due to illness. He took care of all the surrounding orchestras and schools. It is in excellent condition with no breaks or repairs. It could use another bridge and set up. Comes with a very nice case. I'm in East Texas, Asking $750.00
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For Sale: Ned Landry Iconic Historic, Giovanni Battista Rugginlli Guarnarius Fiddle - $10,000 CAD ($7,675.82 USD)
This is the iconic and culturally-significant Ned Landry fiddle, made by Giovanni Battista Rugginlli in Paris, France, 1900. A Guarnerius copy, this fiddle was played for over 50 years by legendary New Brunswick fiddler Ned Landry, who is 97 years old. Ned is from Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, and was a household name in the maritimes and Canada-wide for many years. He is famous for his old-time fiddle and country tunes.
The fiddle was brought to Canada by a seafaring man in the 1930’s, who, down on his luck, sold it to Joe and Sam Gilbert’s Pawn Shop in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. Ned purchased it from their shop in 1939. With this fiddle, Ned recorded many albums and won competitions over a 50 year period.
My grandfather, Ken Wood, of Kentville, N.S., idolized Ned from a young age, and eventually they became good friends, fellow musicians, and even recorded an album together. Ken purchased the fiddle from Ned in 1998, for $10,000. I purchased the fiddle from my grandfather in 2015.
There is enormous historical, cultural, and musical value in this instrument. According to Ned Landry, Master of the Fiddle, by Sandra L. Gowan, “The fiddle has a full-bodied tone, a mellow sound, and perfect pitch. This fiddle, in Ned’s hands, promises unequalled listening pleasure every time he makes an appearance.” This instrument helps to tell the story of the importance of old-time fiddle music of New Brunswick, and Canada as a whole.
The fiddle features a fine spruce top and an impressive flamed maple back of two pieces. There is no significant structural damage or cracks. There is a minor crack on each f-hole, and one repaired crack on the lower treble bout that runs from the bottom to the f-hole.
The carvings on the face read as follows:
"Ned Landry, RCA Victor Recording and TV artist, Saint John NB, Champ-Fiddle, 1956-57-62" and "North-America Champ-Fiddle"
I possess quite a bit of provenance that will accompany the fiddle, including:
Giovanni Battista Ragginlli violin, signed Ned Landry
Ned’s original case
Ned’s original fingerboard and tailpiece
Ned’s Canadian General Insurance Company policy from 1962
Receipt of payment of sale between Ken Wood and Ned Landry, 1998
Numerous correspondences between Ken and Ned
Numerous newspaper articles highlighting Ned and the fiddle
Ned Landry Fiddle Tunes book, signed Ned Landry
Ned Landry Master of the Fiddle book by N.B. author Sandra Gowan, out of print
Selection of Ned Landry Records
See my Imgur link for all the images here:
imgur.com/gallery/vf08IA9
See my eBay ad here:
ebay.ca/itm/Ned-Landry-Iconic-...387567751
According to the Canadian Encyclopedia:
Ned (Frederick Lawrence) Landry. Fiddler, composer, singer, b Saint John, NB, 2 Feb 1921. Though as a boy he taught himself to play the violin, Landry first appeared, in 1934, on Don Messer's CHSJ radio show 'Backwoods Breakdown' as a harmonica player. In 1939, with the New Brunswick Lumberjacks, he placed second in CBS radio's 'Major Bowes' Amateur Hour' in New York, and then became the first oldtime fiddler to perform on TV in Boston. He began recording for RCA Victor in 1955, completing eight LPs for that label. He also made LPs for Arc, MMC, Afton, his own Landry label, and Prime Time. The winner in the open class of the 1956, 1957, and 1962 Canadian Open Old Time Fiddlers' Contests, Landry appeared in the 1950s on CFBC radio, Saint John, and in the 1960s on 'Don Messer's Jubilee' and other TV shows. He performed throughout Canada and recorded many of his several hundred fiddle tunes, composed in various Canadian styles. Some are published in the folios Ned Landry Favorite Fiddle Tunes (Empire 1952) and Bowing the Strings with Ned Landry(Thompson 1959). Among his best-known titles are Ontario Swing, Bowin' the Strings, and Hillbilly Calypso.
Landry was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1991. Among his performances in the 1990s and later were appearances at several festivals: for the Prince of Wales in Fredericton; and at Walt Disney World, Florida. The recipient of the Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2002 East Coast Music Association Awards, Landry also received a lifetime contribution award from the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship; the latter offers a trophy named for him. He was also inducted into the North American Fiddlers Hall of Fame, and the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame. He continued to compose fiddle tunes, including his "Governor General's Waltz," and to make recordings. Among his recent recordings were Ned Landry: International Fiddling Champion(Atlantica NL-00102, 1994); Generations (with Ivan Hicks; ME-1013, 2001); and The Master and the Apprentice (with Ken Wood, 1999). The National Library of Canada holds his archives.
Source:
thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/...ndry-emc/
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For Sale: Royce Burt #324 Banjo Killer - $1,200 USD
Vintage German (Dresden) Strad-style fiddle, re-graduated and voiced in 2016 by master luthier Royce Burt (fiddle number #324). FREE Shipping to lower 48 (see conditions). The German build date is unreadable (could be 1836 or--86), but with either date it is definitely over 100 years old. I had already owned and played another beautiful fiddle Royce had re-graduated (#319). That one played very well in most jam situations, but I was looking for one that was a banjo-killer, something that could really get on top of those bluegrass 5-string banjos and hold its own. This fiddle absolutely fills the bill. I ran spectral analysis on this fiddle using Fast Fourier Transforms comparing its volume to #319 and the analysis indicated #324 was TWICE the volume; it is a cannon with beautifully clean pitch. Please see and listen to the video of Royce playing this fiddle, but turn your volume down, once he starts playing you will be amazed at the volume). Video AND additional photos via this link: dropbox.com/s/6c3qnnnuhr3i0ya/....mp4?dl=0
As with any fiddle that has been gigged for over a 100 years, it shows a lot of wear and tear with dings and handling marks throughout and considerable varnish wear on all exposed edges. It is still sporting the original finish, with the most serious abrasion on the back center (see photo) and at the location where a previous Strad-type chin rest had been installed (it currently has the Guarnieri chin piece Royce put on it). A couple of small chips out of the belly's center bout at the edge and the same center bout has a small wood flaw that I could not get an adequate photo of. I called this to Royce's attention initially and he indicated the flaw was just that and he deemed it unnecessary to apply any sort of repair. It has not changed in any way during the two years I have owned and played the fiddle. Other than that there are no major cracks. There is considerable rosin goober that has built up over the years on the right side of the fingerboard. Back, belly, neck and ribs are all nicely quartersawn and show excellent maple flame. But, if you are buying a fiddle on looks and you think they all sound alike, pass this one by. If you want a fiddle that exhibits incredibly beautiful pitch (Royce's fiddles are known for this) excellent response, plays at a volume that holds up in any string band situation and still looks attractive then this is the one you are after. Royce also installed new pegs, a new nut and bridge and a new Wittner tailpiece for the original work he did in 2016. Medium/low action. I currently have Prims with a Lisa E on the fiddle which will be de-tuned slightly for shipping.
Sorry, no returns on this fiddle. There is no point in shipping a valuable and delicate antique instrument back and forth due to buyer remorse. Be sure this is the fiddle you want. I have provided an accurate description (more than I had originally), sharp high quality closeup photos and a crystal-clear video/audio of the instrument. Listen to the video, the music is what this is all about. I am only selling this excellent instrument because I am now making my own unique resonator fiddles and I feel compelled to play what I make. Thank you for looking.
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For Sale: Bob Kogut fiddle - $3,200 USD
Bob Kogut fiddle #184, made in 2016, named "Lola". Engelmann Spruce top, Big Leaf Curly Maple back and ribs. One piece back. Prim strings. Evenly balanced, dark tone. The kind of sound that makes Kogut fiddles highly sought after. I've got too many good fiddles that don't get played often enough so I've decided to thin the herd, and this is too good a fiddle to not be played every day. Comes with a virtually new Bobelock case. $3200 shipped.
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For Sale: Fancy Purfled Vintage Violin - $750 USD
Even though the label says it was made by Doctor Carolus Kraus in Austria, 1914, this looks like it was made in the 1930's or 40's. It shows signs of being handmade by an amateur (American?) with some customized inlaid purfling on the back. The maker used good wood and a good arching plan, resulting in a nice looking and playing violin. There are no cracks or repairs.
I recently set this up with a new sound post, bridge, Wittner tailpiece, and new Warchal Karneol strings. This violin speaks easily (very responsive) with an even, resonant tone. It has plenty of power, so you won't get lost in a jam. This violin seems to play all fiddle styles well and would also work for classical music.
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For Sale: Mid 1800s German Violin - $250 USD
Nice old full size German violin from mid 1800s. Very nice 1 piece back. An old repaired saddle crack and an old repired f hole crack, both are stable. Small section of the fingerboard veneer is chipped off under low G string and fingerboard is on at a bit of an angle, but neither affects playability and condition is reflected in the price. Sounds great, with great response and a nice, deep and dry tone.
Video sound sample here - youtu.be/spljueUWIoo
Ships in an old case, suitable for shipping.
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For Sale: New Amati model - Royce Burt regraduated - $1,200 USD
Here is a very nice modern full size Amati model, regraduated by Royce Burt to sound and play great. Nice one piece back, fine woods and workmanship throughout. Mint condition, no cracks or repairs. Excellent playability, tone and projection. Professional quality instrument.
Ships with a chin rest and old case, suitable for shipping.
Video sound sample here - youtu.be/oKIuWGdvvn4
Thanks.
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For Sale: Old German Violin - Regraduated by Royce Burt - $1,200 USD
Here is a very nice old full size German violin circa 1920 that has been regraduated by Royce Burt to sound and play great. Excellent condition, no cracks or repairs at all. This is a professional level instrument, with all the tone, power and projection you could want.
Ships with chinrest and an old case, suitable for shipping.
Video sound sample here - youtu.be/T8xS-vFQxQA
Thanks.
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For Sale: New Guarneri model - Royce Burt regraduated - $1,200 USD
Here is a very nice new full size Guarneri model violin, regraduated by Royce Burt to play and sound great. High quality European tonewoods, tasteful antiquing and fine workmanship throughout. No cracks or repairs. Professional level instrument, with excellent playability, tone, volume and projection.
Ships with chin rest and old case, suitable for shipping.
Video sound sample here - youtu.be/_PUw-H5z3wo
Thanks.
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