FLORENTINA – Fine 1929 German Violin

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We have a fine Florentina German violin that is modeled after a Stradivarius pattern. This violin, and others like it, were brought into our country by Carl Fischer of New York. Carl Fisher came to America from Germany long before World War I and brought his love for string instruments too. He was a string repair man and restorer of violins in his shop. He had one section of his store devoted to fine string instruments and his workshop and another area dedicated to music publishing and sheet music. The instruments he imported were of noted quality from his homeland even though they bear no evidence of being from Germany. This non branding of origin was done on purpose and helped workshops survive after WW I. The instruments were considered trade instruments but certainly on the higher end representing remarkable value for the 1920s.

The workmanship and varnish work and detail in the carving of the plates are altogether artistic. The Florentina violins were graduated correctly and scientifically, according to the density of the wood. The violin has one restored saddle area split on the treble side of the saddle. The violin has no other issues. The oil varnish shows some signs of normal playing wear, being a deep orange/brown oil varnish on a gorgeous golden base. The choice of woods are nice with the spruce top having medium-width grain that is straight grain while the back is a one-piece maple back having a medium-width curl. The violin is set up in ebony fittings and ready for another 100 years.

• Corpus 358.00 mm
• Major Width 204.0 mm
• Minor Width 166.0 mm
• Rib Height 30.0 mm

If you’re thinking about a more expensive violin because you are looking for and older you should not pass up trialing this instrument. The violin has a bottom end that is powerful and deep with good overtones. In my book the violin leans to the darker side in sound; one might say slightly veiled. The responsiveness of the instrument is quick and the overtones ring, making the instrument come alive. The sound is slightly brighter on the A&E and still has all the power. In short, a well-made German classic violin ready for the player looking for an instrument with character and a great sound.