Enrico Robella 1934 Fine Copy of Antonio Stradivarius

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Label:

This violin was created by Ernst Heinrich Roth in 1934 in Markneukirchen. Many German makers after WW I used Itlalian names and cities to blur the line that the violin was actually made in Germany. Instruments with German names did not help in selling an instrument in this time period. The Roth workshop was one of the most successful shops in Markneukirchen and used this name on violins for exports to the United States for a few generations. This violin is a beautiful reproduction of a Stradivarious and was handcrafted very well in the Roth shop. It has a gorgeous one piece back that is highly flamed, typical of the finest Saxonian violin makers in this town. The scroll is elegantly cut, slightly elongated, and shaped slightly in a lazy egg shape droop, not a perfect circle with classic volutes. The Strad arching helps generate a powerful sound and the top plate has an even, straight grain. This workshop certainly had a wood pile of incredible quality. All of these attributes show the extensive experience of the Roth workshop. The oil varnish is golden orange/brown on a golden yellow ground. The violin displays natural patina and general natural playing wear. Former players, which there could have been many, took great care of the violin. It definitely was played, which is an excellent sign, and is still in fabulous condition. We went over the entire violin, bushing the peg box and carving a new ebony set, new post, and bridge. The violin has no issues and is 90 years beautiful.

Corpus 359.0 mm., Major Width 205.0 mm., Minor Width 165.5 mm., Rib Height 30.0 mm.

The sound is big, clear, and mature. The bass side glows in depth and resonates warmly. This low end will melt a player, will cause a player to fall in love, and bring a smile to any player. The G & D strings lay very well and respond off the board with crispness and a bit of guts. I love the bass side because of its instant response and depth of the sound. The treble side sings as well with plenty of power and clarity. 5th and 7th positions ring tremendously, just as well as the lower positions, and a player will enjoy how the instrument lays in the left hand. This violin leans slightly to a brighter spectrum in general. This is not a second-class instrument. It is a true German find, powerful, and deserving of much attention.