Books › The history of the Violin, and other instruments played on with the bow from the remotest times to the present: also, an account of the principal makers, english and foreign, with numerous illustrations, 1864 › scan 292
Scan 292
The history of the Violin, and other instruments played on with the bow from the remotest times to the present: also, an account of the principal makers, english and foreign, with numerous illustrations, 1864
11 lines. Read by computer on 29 August 2026. Printed page 271. See the scan on archive.org.
1Stamford, Lincolnshire, or its vicinity. John Betts was born in the year 1755, and in due time was sent to London to learn violin-making, but whether he proved a first-rate workman cannot be certified; report speaks to the contrary. As a dealer, great knowledge of the Italian makers is assigned to him. The instruments which bear his name often show an altered style, occasioned by the various workmen employed by him at different periods; namely, John Carter, Ned Betts, Panormo, Bernhard Fendt, and his sons, and others could also be mentioned. Much of their work, particularly of the nephew and the Fendts, being imitations of the Italian and old English makers, some of which are excellent copies. Dr. Forster, in his "Epistolarium," vol. ii., page 140, states: "Some of the best modern imitations of the Cremona violins are those of John Betts, of London, who for many years sold them, together with others of his own excellent form, in his house, under the Royal Exchange, in London." John Betts died March, 1823, and is buried at Cripplegate Church.
3Copy of a label used in 1782:—
5"J°. Betts N°. 2
6Near Northgate the
7Royal Exchange
8London 1782."
10The nephew had ability as a maker of violins, and was employed by his uncle; his own style is admired, the tone being good, bold, and masculine; but he became more proficient as an imitator of the old makers, both of Italy and England. It paid better, as H'v. Hill observes, than adhering to modern workmanship. The time of his death is not accurately known; probably between 1815 and 1820. It is certain he died before his uncle.
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