Scan 232
The Violin: Its Famous Makers and their Imitators, 1875
6 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 174. See the scan on archive.org.
1Fortunately, too, for his instruments, sufficient wood has been left in them to enable time to exert its beneficial effects, a desideratum overlooked by many makers of good repute. The only feature of his work which can be considered as wanting in merit is the scroll, which is somewhat cramped, and fails to convey the meaning intended, viz., the following of Amati; but as this is a point having reference to appearance, and, therefore, solely affecting the connoisseur, it may be passed over lightly, and the more so when we consider that Banks was not the only clever workman that has failed in head cutting. He made Violins, Tenors, and Violoncellos, all excellent; but the latter have the preference. His large Violoncellos are the best; those of the smaller pattern are equally well made, but lack depth of tone. The red-varnished instruments are the favourites.
3Banks, Benjamin, son of the above, born in September, 1754; died, January, 1820. Worked many years with his father at Salisbury; afterwards removed to London, and lived at 30, Sherrard Street, Golden Square.
5Banks, James. Brother of the above. For some years carried on the business of his father at Salisbury, in conjunction with his brother Henry. They ultimately sold the business and removed to Liverpool. The instruments of James and Henry Banks are of average merit.
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.