Violins

Violins

Here are examples of some violins I've made most recently, from about the beginning of 2013 to the time of this writing, which is mid-2014. All instruments with a price listed are currently for sale, and I will try to keep these listings up to date.

This is "Bella Doña" finished about Christmastime 2013. It is made with some of the most figured maple I've ever had the pleasure to work with. I came across a supply in 2004, and used it on many violins and mando-lins. All of the instruments I've made with this maple have "slab cut" backs as the wood was delivered to me al-ready milled and kiln dried. This violin was fitted with ebony acces-sories, a dogwood bridge, and Piras-tro "Tonica" strings. As different players have their own require-ments, the choice of strings is very important in achieving one's desired sound. Most of the "Old Time" musicians require volume, while a classical musician must have responsiveness, and many a player wants both. With the strings of your choice, my violins will deliver your heart's desire. $1,500.00.

"Saffronia" is not one of those colored laquer finished instruments. It is made of a wood commonly called hedge apple, but is also known as Osage Orange. When freshly cut, the wood is bright yellow, and will patina to a golden tan. This wood is very dense and springy, resulting in this violin with powerful volume and resonance. As it has an unusual appearance, many musicians are afraid of the extra scrutiny they may receive from such a fiddle, (see "Waxing Luthier") so I expect it will take one of great self-confidence to possess it, or perhaps one afflicted with AVAS (Acute Violin Acquisition Syndrome). SOLD

"The Appalachian" is the beginning of a tribute to the trails and byways of Virginia, and the "AT" comes right through our town of Damas-cus. I finished this violin in Feb-ruary, 2014, and I have been en-joying playing it. With Dominant strings, this instrument is respon-sive and resonant, and allows me to attempt to play a more challeng-ing repertoire of music. Did I not yet mention that I play a little bit too? With ebony accessories, this violin also features what's called a "distressed finish", which means that it does not have a perfect, unblemished appearance, but rather the look of an instrument that has been around just a little while and played on some.
SOLD

The second violin tribute to our local trails is "Virginia Creeper", which is the name of both an ivy-like vine that grows around here, and an old rail line that went from White Top to Abingdon, carrying lumber and passengers. "Virginia Creeper" is finished with rosewood accessories and Pirastro Violino strings, and is a real beauty. It was completed in May, 2014, and the only thing keeping me from playing it more is that I do not want to make my new instruments used ones. I am very proud of my workmanship of this violin, and it is the last one I was able to make with the supply of curly maple I've been using for years, so it's off to the lumber store.
SOLD!