Books › Old violins, 1905 › scan 221
Scan 221
Old violins, 1905
8 lines. Read by computer on 27 September 2026. Printed page 199. See the scan on archive.org.
1very soul (l'âme du violon), which is the sound-post and so it fares well; but remember, 'tis better to keep a fiddle in repair and use than allow it to get out of both, and go a mere wreck to the workshop.
3I am not forgetting, when I say "use," that the incessant and continued playing upon an instrument is said to result in its getting what Joachim calls "played out," and that collectors have been great benefactors by withdrawing choice instruments from wear and tear, giving them thus long periods of suspended animation; but, as a general rule, so long as a violin lasts—and how long it will last is still a vexed question—fair wear and tear and attention is just as good for a fiddle as work, exercise, and cleanly habits are good for man and beast.
5Neglect is never good; knocking about is never good! Lay it to your heart, O young player!
7What is that precious thing committed to your care? You have brought it home from the auction-room—your Amati. There was a conspiracy to keep down the bidding. An influential dealer wanted to buy it cheap, having already half sold it in advance for twice as much as he meant to give; he went up to £40 at the auction and stopped, but you were the dark horse and made another bid; he winked at the auctioneer, supposing it to be a bogus bid; the man with the hammer paused and looked at the dealer, who shook his head; for once the dealer had been too clever and lost his Amati for a £5 note. It was knocked down to you.
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