“Few specimens known.” I cannot confirm or deny if this violin is by Psenner. I couldn’t find any photos or past sales records. What I do know is that it was made by a gifted luthier in the 1700’s. Another very talented luthier restored it some time ago. Even though the repairs were extensive, the symmetry and lines remain true to when it was made. This restoration brought this violin back to its original soundness. Cosmetically, you can see what was damaged by the lines. Consider these as the marks of the aged and mature.
The neck and scroll are not original. The original neck would have been a baroque set-up. When it was changed to the modern set-up, the new neck and scroll were put on. Usually, the original scroll is kept with the violin and grafted onto the new neck. Apparently, the original scroll was damaged and considered not worth grafting in. The replacement scroll has a simulated graft to make it look as old as the violin.
The violin has a mature, warm, focused tone. It has an excellent overall rating for tone and playing traits. See the detailed evaluation below.
The neck and scroll are not original. The original neck would have been a baroque set-
The violin has a mature, warm, focused tone. It has an excellent overall rating for tone and playing traits. See the detailed evaluation below.
The repairs are numerous, but the playing condition and soundness of the violin is very good. The repairs where done many years ago and are very stable.
Set up with D’Addario Zyex strings.
Set up with D’Addario Zyex strings.
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c.1750 Violin, Labeled Johann Georg Psenner