Western NC maker Alfred Michaels ~7/8 violin. Maker's mark indicates "Alfred Michaels faciebat Valle Crucis N.C. anno D. 1982" - which would date this build from his first year after emigrating to the US from Germany. I purchased on a visit to Mary Gordon's former Celestial Mountain Music in Brevard NC in 2001. From all the old-musics friendly fiddles in the shop that day - this is the one that soared above. I had no hesitation selecting over any of the more standard shapes. Not sure of provenance prior - though just had inspected at my local violin shop (Blackerby Violins, Austin Texas) and he rated it mint. I'd likely knock it down to nm/excellent - note closeup showing scuffs at bottom lower bout (very minor, and not on my watch). imho the ~7/8 may have been a custom and not specifically a "7/8"; it's not proportionally dimensioned from a standard - the fingerboard length and lower bout width (at bout center) are ~4 /4, the body length and upper bout come in ~0.5" smaller (which positions the fingerboard closer to join). Note pic when placed next to my ca. 1900 Hopf-style fiddle, which is as 4 /4 as it gets. Excels in clarity, with a hint of grit, and is exceptionally responsive to touch and attack - very dynamic. You get why Al Michaels is a revered and now sorely missed maker from the WNC scene.
$1900 + shipping - soon to list on the usual aftermarket usual suspects (and scaled up for fees there). Includes Bobelock case with in case hygrometer, purchased ca. 2005. Shipping cost is more a thumbnail - may be able to ship for less. Send pm with delivery zip for estimates.
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