This violin was made by the ‘father of Australian violin makers’ Arthur Edward Smith in Sydney, in 1932. Smith was born in 1880 in London and migrated to Australia in 1909. After spending just a few years in Melbourne, Smith lived for two years in San Francisco before moving back to Australia in 1914, opening a shop in Sydney. Throughout Smith’s almost 50 years in Sydney, now well-known Australian violin-makers such as Guy Aubrey Griffin, William Dolphin, Lloyd Adams, Ronald Cragg, Phillip Burgess, Cedric Clarke and Harry Vatiliotis began their careers and training here. Between 1897 and 1970 Smith made close to 200 violins, 40 violas and 3 cellos. Smith’s instruments became sought after by prominent violinists of the time including Isaac Stern, Ruggieri Ricci, Yehudi Menuhin and David Oistrakh. Smith passed away in 1978 in Canberra at age 98.

It is labelled "Arthur E. Smith Sydney / Faciebat Anno 1932". The body measures 352mm along the back, 165mm across the upper bouts and 205mm across the lower bouts. It has a two-piece back of very evenly flamed maple with a moderate curl, with matching ribs and scroll. The top is off a finely grained spruce, and the violin is finished with a light amber varnish, an ebony tailpiece, and rosewood pegs. It is in good condition.

This violin has a characteristically clean, smooth tone, with an extraordinary array of colour and depth open to the performer. When pushed to its limits of dynamic or contact point, it translates that intensity into depth and character with very little effort. Overall, it is well balanced between the brighter and warmer ends of the spectrum, and is even across both the upper and lower registers as well. In terms of playability, the violin has an easy string height, and a quality of tangibility which renders technical challenges close and comfortable. It is best suited to players at a professional level, and excels in all formats of playing.

Please contact us if you would like to book an appointment to try this wonderful Australian violin.

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A.E. Smith Violin Sydney 1932

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