An American Violin by Boston Maker Andrew H. Potter circa 1889

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This American violin modeled after Stradivari was made in Boston by Andrew H. Potter circa 1889. The violin also has a shop number 5394 visible inside on the treble side back plate. This violin came to the shop via a friend who picked up the instrument in Massachusetts. We meticulously went over the entire violin, bushing the A peg and cleaning the violin a few times. The varnish, now visible, is a deep orange/brown on a golden yellow ground and has the patina that develops over 100 years. The maple back and ribs are North America woods. I took note and studied the makers corners, joining of the ribs, and the bee stings in all eight corners. The bee strings are neat and slightly different, with an elongated sting. Potter’s handmade scroll is also slightly different with the volute protruding out by a couple millimeters more than usual.

The Potter violin has emerged off my work bench after a week of work. The interior bones of the violin are in very good condition, with traditional spruce and willow blocks and linings. The plates are also in good shape. No issues, just natural playing wear. The bottom treble side rib shows signs of shoulder pad scratches which I have addressed and touched up. The fingerboard has been dressed, and the projection of the violin helps drive the power of the violin. Most of the edges of the violin have been touched up, and the back too, where necessary, to keep the instrument authentic and pleasing to look at. Someone loved this violin. It does show some playing wear and in and out of the case wear, but all normal for a late 19th century violin and adds to the charm of the instrument. The violin boasts of fine choices for materials and craftsmanship, brought to life here at the shop with a new setup: a hand cut Despiau bridge, new soundpost, ebony pegs with diamond brass inserts, a decorative tailpiece with an oval brass insert, chinrest, and a new end button.

Corpus 356.0 mm., Major Width 206.0 mm., Minor Width 166.0 mm., Rib Height 31.0 mm.

Its sound is supple, sweet, and rich in tonal color. The bottom end has some guts with crisp response and ample bite to sharper bow strokes. The violin is very even in its voice and not an overlording powerhouse instrument. The treble side displays a simple resonant ringing quality but easy on the ears. The E and A strings have an almost lyric quality to the sound. Refined but not overpowering. The entire palette of sound is beautiful. Here is a player’s chance to own an instrument from the late 19th century.