48 replies to this topic

[Dan Everett]

I just purchased a violin on ebay solely because of the unusual pegbox, can anyone give me any information? I have never seen anything like this before.

http://www.ebay.com/...984.m1439.l2649

Many thanks, Dan

[lyndon]

saw this same violin on ebay a couple months ago, dont know if it was the same seller, though

[robertdo]

the link came out on the "auction" part of this forum about 2-3 weeks ago (second question/answer). But no clue about the maker.

[Christopher Jacoby]

Neat!

[Dan Everett]

I believe it had 2 non paying bidders and sold between 5-600 each time so when I saw it up again I offered him $450 so it is now on it's way.

Any comments, Jacobyfineviolins between me and you we have "neat" and "cool" can anyone come up with a sentence or two?

[Bruce Carlson]

Any comments, Jacobyfineviolins between me and you we have "neat" and "cool" can anyone come up with a sentence or two?

There is a three wall pegbox for a head from a viola d'amore that has been attributed to Antonio Stradivari. If I remember correctly it's at the Cité de la Musique in Paris but for a time they were studying it at the Royal Academy in London. Anne Houssay or David Rattray might be able to supply you with more information.

I do remember that the head ends in a shield, not a volute, and is quite different than the one on the violin you illustrated. The only common factor being the three walls.

This style head can also be seen on some string instruments with a large number of strings, like the Baryton.

Anyway, it appears that this "improvement" on your violin didn't catch on.

Bruce

[martin swan]

The photos aren't huge, but this looks like an interesting "provincial" violin - I suppose American - probably made by a good cabinet maker who's decided to re-invent the wheel a bit. The purfling stops short of the button (which seems to be pinned), this is a technique used by some (very few) professional makers to avoid weakening the button, but it's rare to see it on a violin with such odd/plain wood for a back. The 3-wall scroll is a lovely idea and shows that the maker was a confident carver with time on their hands. Structurally it's completely un-necessary, and would make string winding pretty difficult, since you generally need more than half the width of the pegbox for the G at least, unless you want to wind the string on top of itself repeatedly!
So I'd guess it's the work of a retired opinionated woodworker.
Definitely a collectable and quite a fun piece.

[Conor Russell]

I'd say that this was made by a great woodworker, but not a violin maker, and that he tried to iron out all the weak spots in the violin. It wouldn't surprise me if those ribs are so thick that they wouldn't bend enough to make normal corners.

I think Trapani took a similar approach, perhaps more an engineer than an artist. In the couple I've had here, the ribs and edges are massive, the heads have no throats, and the buttons are unpurfled, and reinforced. Mind you, the plates are thin and flat, and prone to cracking. I always think of the song 'The Devil went down to Georgia' when I see one, although I'm not sure that's relevant.

I love seeing things like this. I'd be surprised if you find a makers name unless it's in the fiddle; I'd say it's probably a one off.

[Ratcliffiddles]

I do not see any relationship between the varnish on the head, and the rest of the instrument. It is impossible to see what the outline of the scroll is from the angle of the photography, but looks like it could be Neukirchen early 1800's (the scroll, not the body).

When you get it, post some profile pictures to see if that is a possibility.

[Dan Everett]

Thank you all very much! I hope to have it this weekend or just after and will post good pics. I basically purchased because I was intrigued by the pegbox!

It does look like it was built like a battleship, may sound like one too!

Many thanks, Dan

[Stonehedge]

Did you guys pay attention to the corners? Look at them!

[robertdo]

Yes I am sure that people noticed the corners, especially since Jacob posted often on them. And someone also pointed out that ribs might have been so thick that they couldn't be properly bent. It looks indeed that the C-bout ribs were made with three pieces glued? Or is it a repair where most of the ribs were replaced?

[Dan Everett]

Just got the violin and will post pics tonight, was pleasantly surprised. quality seems very good, body has been revarnished over the old yellow-orange (which is still on the neck) There are 2 small pins under the saddle which is easily removable and a very tight fit. I expected the violin to be "beefier" than it actually is. Corners are very unusual, fully lined with great workmanship. Scroll is much nicer than pics show. Table is a 2 piece but the joint starts at the center of the button but lines up about a half inch to the right of center of the neck.

I can't imagine that someone who was not very skilled in scroll carving could have carved it, hopefully the pics to follow will do it justice.

Many thanks to all of your help and comments, I am almost 50 and have played since 4th grade but I am just recently devoting my time to the study of violins (background as a cabinet maker and antique dealer)and I do have to say I am now officially an ADDICT!

[shaun fosdick]

The corner look to be applied outside the ribs. Sort of a figure eight with added hardwood corner blocks.

[Dan Everett]

Here are the pics, I hope you can see the outside of the pegbox is not flat. Corners appear to be one piece but ribs are not thick, may have been done for other reasons other than not being able to bend the rib?

If the photos do not load here is the link: http://www.flickr.co...99@N22/?added=5


http://www.flickr.co...99@N22/?added=5

[Dan Everett]

Just want to add that the outside blocks are not over the ribs it can be seen inside and has a groove that the rib inserts into. Please note that this violin weights 395.4 grams, the other 3 instruments I weighed were 402, 405 and 415, so I do not see any room for thick ribs or plates.

[robertdo]

Another strange thing is the absence of purfling on the top while there is one on the back. If I had to chose I would do the opposite if the purfling has a structural function in addition to making a violin more attractive.

[Dan Everett]

Another strange thing is the absence of purfling on the top while there is one on the back. If I had to chose I would do the opposite if the purfling also has a structural function in addition to making a violin more attractive.

That has me a bit baffled as well!

[jacobsaunders]

There was a recent thread on an indiginous (American) instrument, which is, I suppose, the category that you have here. Perhaps you would like to look: http://www.maestrone...howtopic=326347

[Stonehedge]

Does it have upper block or it is extension of the neck?