This violin model is an inspired-copy of the 1744 Guarneri del Gesù named the ‘Doyen’. The top-plate is made of spruce from Val di Fiemme with medium, regular grain, and the one-piece back is of Bosnian maple with elegant, deep, medium-sized flames. The oil-rosin varnish is of a brilliant red-brown color on a golden-brown ground which emphasizes the old patina that sits in the recesses of the tool marks primarily made by gouges, scrapers and mechanical wear.

These tool marks give a window through which you can see the quick and free workmanship that the great master Guarneri Del Gesù used to create his masterpieces. This model displays an ebony crown and a Hill-style neck which enhances the old feel and touch that an antique instrument can offer, but in our modern contemporary world.

The scroll for this model is somewhat skeletal in style showing off the differences between his earlier work and that of the year 1744. The Soundholes are straight and almost arrow-like, combined with asymmetry they truly enhance the nature of the late-period.

Guarneri del Gesù 1744 ‘Doyen’ – Violin