Holstein Workshop Plowden Violin

Holstein Workshop violins are handcrafted by one experienced luthier in our select VSA award-winning workshop. The quality of workmanship goes far beyond anything else we’ve seen in this price range. The tops are made of fine quality Italian spruce, and the back and ribs from Bosnian maple (100+ year old wood, aged and dried a minimum of 10 years). Our Holstein Workshop violins are made in various replicas and copies of violins made by the old masters, such as Stradivari, Guarneri del Gesù, Amati, and Maggini. The quality and dimensions of the wood, as well as the varnish, are copied from the originals to achieve the same tonal qualities. The Holstein 'Plowden' is a replica of Guarneri del Gesù's masterpiece from 1735. It has a spectacular one-piece back with deep, wide and remarkable flaming. The quality and dimensions of the wood (as well as the varnish) are copied from the original, to achieve the same tonal qualities. The original was was named after its first recorded owner, the London collector C.H. Chichele Plowden, known as "the most reputed amateur of his day". Plowden purchased the violin from London dealer John Hart; he also owned the d'Egville, King Joseph, Dushkin, and Ole Bull (violins made by Guarneri del Gesù). THE SETUP Holstein Workshop violins are setup with premium quality fittings and strings to bring the most out of the instrument. The Despiau “Three Tree” bridge is hand-carved and fitted to perfection by our luthiers during the setup process. VIOLIN SPECIFICATIONS Fingerboard: Fine Ebony Fittings: Ebony Bridge: Hand-carved professional level Despiau 3-tree or Holstein Deluxe Bridge Strings: Maker's choice. We select and match the strings carefully to bring the most out of each individual instrument. Dimensions Body length 354mm Upper bout 162mm Center bout 111mm Lower bout 208mm  Certificate of Authenticity This Holstein violin is sold with a certificate of authenticity; handwritten, stamped and signed by our in-house luthier.