Books › The violin : how to choose one, 1893 › scan 34
Scan 34
The violin : how to choose one, 1893
6 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 30. See the scan on archive.org.
1such hits in there lives, and they are often built on a model which makes an expert or a crank (the words are often synonymous) turn up his nose like a reaping-hook. They may be old German, old French, old English, old Tyrolian, or old Dutch (for if a violin have the faintest resemblance to old Italian, your clever dealer will soon find a father for it, and clap a spurious Italian ticket into it, and sell it at a good price), and they are often in such bad order that they do not get half a chance to show what is in them, but they have age and tone, rich, full, and telling. These violins, which are worth searching for with all your eyes and ears, may be picked up here and there by the knowing ones. Supposing such a gem to be discovered, the first test to be applied is to the tone, which should be clear, full, and equal on every string. The violin should be tested at home, and in a large and heated hall; also in orchestra. This last is a sure test for exposing a new violin supposed to be old: in orchestra under the ear, the new violin even when torn at tooth and nail is not heard well by the player himself, while the old instrument rings out above all with scarce an effort on the part of the player.
3Fractures.
5Next, the buyer has to consider the state of preservation—the fractures of ribs, back or breast, and the varnish. In regard to fractures it is a fixed rule among dealers and experts to fight shy of any violin which has been badly fractured, as they know that it is against it finding a ready buyer. If the fractures have been badly mended and strengthened inside with patches of wood they will scarcely look at it, always supposing the violin to be not Italian, and with good reason, for patches generally produce huskiness or wolf notes, or hardness on a particular string; but we have agreed to set these clever men aside for the present, and think for ourselves. Twelve years ago, though I am neither a violin maker nor a violin mender, I ventured the opinion that most fractures could be mended without patching, by using fresh glue skilfully applied, and since then I find the idea has been adopted by many skilful repairers. Generally speaking, then, fractures are not to be seriously dreaded unless they may be at that part of the breast pressed on by the chin, or near those parts
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.