Joh. Bapt. Schweitzer Beautiful German Trade Violin c. 1880 – 1890 – SOLD NOVEMBER 24, 2023 –

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Label Reads:

Also contains a repair label:

J. B. Schweitzer was an actual maker in Budapest in the early-to-mid 1800’s but his name was used in many thousands of trade instruments. The instruments were made in Markneukirchen, Germany and what is now the Czech Republic from 1870 into the early 1900’s. Finished in an amber/brown varnish, the instrument carries with it antiquing marks placed there by the maker and a fake neck graft, all to make the instrument appear even older than it is. The Schweitzer has some beautiful maple, highly figured one-piece back and ribs and an impressive spruce top with even, straight grain. The instrument is in very good condition; we restored two lower ribs areas and did an entire new set up. We have meticulously gone over the violin in our workshop. The instrument is ready for the next fine player. All of the fittings are ebony, and check out the very old ebony tailpiece with two inlaid mother-of-pearl eyes.

Corpus 360.0 mm., Major Width 203.0 mm., Minor Width 168.0 mm., Rib Height 29.5 mm.

The sound is full and inviting. The bottom end has a rich, mature tone even as you travel up into positions. The response off the strings is fantastic! The sound and quick response off the strings will make you take notice and put a smile on your face as you play. The top end rings well, the sound is clean, clear, not covered. The violin is easy to play, and the sound matches the look. It’s a Wow! Awesome sound for the price.