Step up and Master Instruments

THE INSTRUMENTS LISTED BELOW REPRESENT MODELS AND PRICE RANGES OF INSTUMENTS THAT I NORMALLY CARRY IN STOCK. I ALSO CARRY OTHER MODELS WHICH I SOMETIMES FEATURE. CALL FOR INFORMATION AND AVAILABILITY. I ALSO FEATURE A FEW OLDER VIOLINS IF I FEEL THEY ARE A GOOD VALUE.

Many customers ask what makes our instruments superior to other violins in the same price range. There is no simple answer to this question as it is a combination of many things. First we carefully select every model we carry to make sure it is the finest instrument available in it's price range. We then examine each instrument we receive and keep what we feel to be the best of each model. After we set up each instrument we play them and then only keep approximately 60% of the violins that are left. This leaves us with some very fine instruments that sound better than violins costing much more.

Every violin we sell is set up by us in our shop using the finest quality materials. The bridge, soundpost, pegs, nut and strings are carefully fitted assuring superior playabilty and sound. We do not use generic set ups from the manufacturers. Finally we will allow an instrument to hang for a week or so then play the instrument to make the final sound post adjustments assuring an even tone with great balance and projection. We also try several different types of strings to find the one that best compliments the violins characteristics.

We guarantee every instrument without time limit. Basically, if there is ever a problem we take care of it period! Obviously we can't guarantee against abuse or weather cracks due to subjecting the violin to extreme temperatures. Strings and bow hair need to be replaced at certain intervals and are not warranteed. We also offer a 100% trade-in allowance toward a nicer violin without time limit.

GO HERE FOR CASE CHOICES

Th. Hoyer, Germany. T. Balestrieri model. Gorgeous violin by this well established German maker. Faithful reproduction of a Thomaso Balestrieri, showing the painstaking work of a master maker. His violins are some of the nicest instruments being made today. Makers certificate. $8500.

Th. Hoyer,Germany. F. Ruggieri model. Same as above but a reproduction of a Francesco Ruggieri. This model has higher arching than the Balestrieri model. Makers certificate. $8500.

Oskar Chlesvic copy of Guarneri del Gesu 1734. This is the nicest instrument we have ever carried in this price range. Hand made using fine, aged European wood. Excellent workmanship. A very high class instrument right down to the hand carved fittings. $3500.

Oscar Chlesvic Stradavari or Guarneri model. A slightly less expensive model but retains the high quality wood and workmanship. Trimmed with nice fittings in boxwood, rosewood or ebony. $2700.

Crakovia model from the shop of Florek Ryszard Poland. This is the a very nice handmade instrument. Excellent tone and projection. We hand pick only the finest examples of this shops work. $2400.

Toussaud Lee model HC602 "ONE OF THE BEST VIOLINS WE REVIEWED" Strings Magazine Aug/Sept, 2001. This model is one step down from the instrument described above, but the European tone woods and varnish are exceptional. Superior sound. This violin is on sale and available alone for $1500 or as an outfit with deluxe oblong case and octagonal pernambuco bow for $1795. In the 2000 catalogue the violin alone was $2000!

Toussaud Lee HC-602 Ant. An antique version of the popular HC-602. Very attractive. $1700.

Andreas Kohr model 575. I feel that this new model from Kohr is the nicest violin I have ever seen under $1500! The tone is superior in every way and speaks easily with great response. $1200 violin only, $1500 with pernambuco bow and deluxe case.