These violins are characterised by really excellent workmanship that respects the finer points of good violinmaking, and by really good tone and responsiveness that open the way for full musical expression - essential aspects allowing for rapid development of musical skills.

The materials are well chosen - the two-piece back and sides are consistently of good quality maple. The top is of good tone spruce, always with a clear attractive straight medium grain. It is the tidy work in the corner mitres, the neatly traced purfling and attention to detail in the f-holes that show the serious intent behind these instruments. No shortcuts are taken - for example, the insides are correctly crafted, fully blocked and lined with a fitted bass bar. All bridges are by Despiaux - top French brand. In the case of these models, the Guarneri-type chinrests, pegs and tailpieces are all of a very attractive rosewood - the tailpiece has built-in 'push'-type adjusters (see photos).

These violins have rich and open tone throughout the register. Each instrument is set up to the exact correct specs for control and quality of the tone - no half measures, guess work or approximations - they are correctly set up.

Each violin is sold with a case, a suitable matched bow, rosin and spare A and E strings.

These violins are fitted with good advanced student-type strings, but professional quality strings will enhance the tone even more and can be supplied and fitted optionally on request at an additional cost.

THE BOW: The bow that comes with this violin is a good basic 3/4-size student bow of Brazil wood, cut into a round stick. The frog is mounted in chrome-nickel with a matching three-ring adjuster button. It also has a real mother-of-pearl eye and slide and tip slide is of bone. The bow has chrome-nickel lapping and a leather thumbpad. At 61.5 cm the hair length is within normal 3/4-size specs. The weight of individual bows vary from 59 to 61 gm, which is on the more solid side, rather than being too light.

THE CASE: The violin comes in a good quality zipped shaped canvas case with two-tone velvet interior with a violin cover (see photos). One immediately notices the proper moulded carry handle as opposed to velcroed straps in more basic cases. There is a fairly large zipped pocket on the lid to carry music and other items in. Inside the violin fits snugly into a moulded recess and is held in position with a velcro strap over the neck to prevent it from flopping around inside (see photos). The case has two bow clips, a little compartment for rosin etc, and has adjustable shoulder carry straps. The case is moulded from a light-weight material and is very sturdy, providing good protection against rough handling. An excellent safety feature is that it has reflective strips on the shoulder straps and across the front, making for excellent visibility at night, should the student be carrying the violin on his back.

Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them!

Dimensions :
	Standard 3/4-size, Stradivari model. Length of back: 33.2 cm. String length: 31.2 cm.

Condition :
	Superb condition. Brand new.

Price :	R4 800
	Approximately US$ 535. Delivery excluded. Several of these violins are available.