r W strawford violin, 1970

£3,000

This interesting example of the late R W Strawford's work is labelled 'small Stradivarius model 1970' in the maker's own writing. The violin is certainly small in size, and could be described as a 7/8ths. However, it is curious that the maker described it as a Strad model. The f holes are Amati-like and the scroll is after Testore. Nevertheless, the violin is well made and the varnish is after the Cremonese style. We have have left the original rosewood pegs in as they are rather nice, and given the violin a new bridge and sound post and Evah Pirazzi Obligato strings to bring out the warmth and depth of sound that this violin enjoys. for a 7/8ths it certainly packs a punch. This is a special violin and awaits its first owner outside of the Strawford family, for a lifetime of joy.

About r w strawford

R W Strawford is a British maker of the Twentieth century. He worked at Beares in London and was a contemporary of Peter Greiner. There are few written records of his life and work, but he enjoyed making instruments outside of work, where he mainly worked on repairs and set ups. The violin was purchased from his daughter who lives locally.

measurements

LOB: 350mm
Upper Bout: 164mm
Middle Bout: 110mm
Lower Bout: 202mm
String Length: 326mm