Scan 368
The violin: its famous makers and their imitators, 1884
13 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. No printed page number was found. See the scan on archive.org.
1The sound-holes of Betts' instruments are rather wide; broad purfling; scroll well cut.
3Betts, Edward, also a pupil of Richard Duke, copied his master with considerable skill. Of course in trying to imitate Duke he was copying Amati, Richard Duke having spent his life in working after the Amati pattern, without attempting to model for himself. The care bestowed by Edward Betts on his instruments was of no ordinary kind. The workmanship throughout is of the most delicate description; indeed it may be said that neatness is gained at the expense of individuality in many of his works. Each part is faultless in finish, but when viewed as a whole the result is too mechanical, giving as it does the notion of its having been turned out of a mould. Nevertheless, this maker takes rank with the foremost of the English copyists, and in his instruments we have as good specimens of undisguised work as can be readily found. They will be yearly more valued.
5Bolles, ——. An early maker of Lutes and Viols.
7Booth, William, 1779, Leeds.
8Booth, ——, son of the above, Leeds.
9Boucher, ——, London, 1764.
10Brown, James, London, born 1770, died 1834. Worked with Thomas Kennedy.
11Brown, James, London, son of the above, born 1786, died 1860.
12Browne, John, London, about 1743. Worked
Makers on this page
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