Books › Dictionary of Violin makers, 1928 › scan 17
Scan 17
Dictionary of Violin makers, 1928
16 lines. Read by computer on 1 October 2026. No printed page number was found. See the scan on archive.org.
1PREFACE
3It should not be difficult for the Author to introduce this work to the public on account of the fascinating subject with which it is concerned. If our foreword betrays the difficulty as well as the magnitude of the task itself, the rarity of documentary works on makers must be our sole motive and excuse for undertaking it.
5There is an unquestionable scarcity of books of this kind, such as amateurs might desire to possess in order to have at hand an easy system of reference, and to be able to form an opinion upon the style, manner, process, quality of materials, shade and nature of varnishes, dates, etc. Indeed, such publications are practically non-existent and at all events can only be acquired at exorbitant prices, beyond the reach of the majority of the ever increasing number of lovers of the noble art. The publication of « The Dictionary of Violin Makers » is thus justified.
7For many years past we have been urged to compile a volume containing our own observations upon a very large number of instruments which we have been in a position to handle during the last quarter of a century.
9For biographical details, we have drawn from the most authentic sources. In short, we have done our utmost to produce a work, which, although not perfect, is nevertheless conscientious, and we submit it to the public in the same spirit as it was conceived, out of a very deep love of our art.
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13It is fitting that the reader should know exactly what to expect from our efforts: the following lines will enlighten him as to its full compass.
15First of all, we have endeavoured to present all technical details in a most concise form. Secondly, we must point out that all indications supplied by us, indispensable in the close study of the instrument, concerning its form, the materials employed, substance and colour of varnish, etc., constitute information of an abstract nature which must be supplemented by personal knowledge and experience in order to distinguish with certainty the original from the copy, to fix the family of the instrument, its attributes and category. This is a science, acquired only by repeated observations and experience, and belongs to the expert. It is to him we must turn without hesitation when, despite our own knowledge, however clear, the slightest doubt arises as to the real origin of a rare specimen in our possession. In this volume, we have been careful to mention the names of the most competent experts and we remain at the reader's service, should he require any further information on this subject.
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