This is one of the most beautiful red violins that I have ever seen. It was made by Frederic G. Vallance in Detroit Michigan, c. 1920 and bears his signature “Fred G. Vallance” on the inside back and his brand “F.G. Vallance” on the lower back.
The violin has a beautiful dark tone. It has a deep resonant voice on the lower strings, and a strong robust soprano 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, and does not lose timbre when played softly.
If you’re looking for a beautiful violin with a fine dark tone, you should try this one. Email me for a sound clip.
The violin is in very good condition, and is set-up and ready to play. The tone woods are outstanding. The two-piece top is made from spruce with a very narrow grain, and the back, neck, and ribs are made from very highly flamed maple. The artistically-applied varnish is a gorgeous deep burgundy color over a golden ground. This violin is a real head-turner!
The top has several well-repaired cracks, but no soundpost cracks or open cracks. It has an almost invisible glued and cleated saddle crack and single cleat under the lower treble f-hole eye.
The back has no repaired or open cracks. The fingerboard, pegs, and tailpiece are high-quality dense black ebony. The pegbox has no cracks or repairs, and the pegs turn easily and hold well.
According to Wenberg in his book “The Violin Makers of The United States” Frederic G. Vallance was born in England and studied violin making in England and Italy. He then worked in Detroit, Michigan c. 1913 - 1930. This violin is an outstanding example of his work.
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