Books › The violinist, 1900 › scan 165
Scan 165
The violinist, 1900
12 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. No printed page number was found. See the scan on archive.org.
1With so delicate and so important an instrument as the violin, it is most important that the owner shall be certain that his instrument will be in the hands of a good repairer. It takes years of experience and handling of violins to avoid "bungly" work; to know the right adjustments and proper wood for soundposts, bassbars, bridges, etc. Like any science, the man who has had the best of instruction, together with experience, will be the man to whom the owner will want to trust the violin of his choice.
3There has been a great deal of talk in the papers of America about fraudulent practices in the sale, making, and repairing of violins. We all know that America has as good repairers and makers as are to be found anywhere in the world; the word of mouth testimonial, which is the most satisfactory in a small community, among violin experts is utterly inadequate to the large dimensions of the United States. The editor of THE VIOLINIST has had repeatedly inquiries from its readers as to where it would be best to trust their violin for fine repair work or to purchase a really reliable new violin.
5American makers and dealers have begun to recognize this condition. Those who have been established, and who have proved their worth in this line, would be greatly benefited by an affiliation. And the younger dealers and repairers who could qualify for association with these, would be greatly benefited by being taken into their ranks.
7This would do a great deal, also, to help in standardizing the art. Painters have such an association, the Sculptors' Association of America is a sample of maybe the most successful and influential in its line.
9One of the attempts in this regard has been started in a modest way by Fassauer Ferron and John Hornsteiner of Chicago. Some ten or fifteen of America's most wellknown violin makers have been invited to band together in what is called the "Associated Violin Makers of America." This is intended by no means to infer that they are the only ones of the first rank. But it does mean this: they have been acquainted with each other's work for many years and know it to be absolutely reliable. Others who wish to join this association can make application to the nearest member; those in New York to a New York member, those in Boston to a Boston member, etc. These will be apt to know more intimately of the younger men's work than will those at a great distance; and this local member can recommend him to the association. A majority vote will then be necessary to admit the applicant. Thus gradually the association will include the reliable, experienced and properly prepared craftsman of this art.
11The object of this association is to standardize the profession; to set a mark for the younger makers; who, when they qualify, can become members. As to the dues and spending of this money, the idea is that there shall be no set fee; there will be an initiation fee to cover necessary expenses. That the association shall advertise as an association that its members are reliable, trustworthy violin makers and dealers; that teachers, artists and connoisseurs, though not acquainted, can trust their instruments for repair work
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.