A luthiers observation of the 1714 “Yoldi-Moldenhauer” Strad.

It’s not every day a luthier gets to work on a real Strad but, this was no ordinary day. As resident luthier at the recently held West Branch International Music Festival & Academy, I had the privilege of meeting and working with many of the high level musicians and their instruments during this event. One of the highlights of this event was working on the 1714 “Yoldi-Moldenhauer” Antonious Stradivarius violin. This instrument has been owned by the Royal Danish Theater since 1860 and has been in the possession of the Concertmaster for the Royal Danish Orchestra, Lars Bjornkjaer since 1993. This instrument is also said to be the sister to the “Soil Strad” owned by Itzhak Perlman.

What makes this instrument so interesting is that it is in such fine condition and shows very little if any signs of structural tampering. For an instrument that’s 296 years old and pressed into service every day,  speaks highly of the integrity of this maker and the structure of this violin.

Antonio Stradivari was born in the year 1644 in Cremona, Italy to Alessandro Stradivari and Anna Moroni. Probably in the years 1667 through 1679 he served as a pupil in Amati’s workshop. More than 1,100 instruments in all, by current estimate. About 650 of these instruments survive today. Antonio Stradivari died in Cremona, Italy on December 18, 1737 at the age of 92.

I was able to observe this instrument for over 8 hours during the time it was being worked on in my little cabin shop and took many photos and measurements, some of which I am including below with comments below each photo (click to view larger).  Enjoy!

This is Lars Bjornkjaer, concertmaster of the Royal Danish Symphony trying out his Strad after I completed working on it. He was very pleased with the set-up and sound.
This is me taking some measurements prior to beginning work.
Another view of me working with the Strad and taking more measurements.

This top is very clean and the ff's are placed at a stop of 197mm at the notches and the witdth f the upper eyes is 41mm. Very little of the original varnish is in tact but the ground coat is very evident. the grain of the top is consistant and the hard reeds of the growth rings are very thin.
The 1714 Strad back is well flamed and two pieces. The flames are wide and sloping down. The purfling is well placed and the corner detail is well executed. This instrument is built on a shorter mold coming in at a length of 351mm.
A closer view of the ff's and corner detail of the top.

Here is a great shot of the carving detail around the ff's.
The instrument was polished to a mirrow shine as detailed here. Notice the bridge reflection produced by the top.
The ff's were carved with great care and the notches were cut very slightly. The stop length is set at 197mm.

For all of those out there that have not seen a real "Strad" label, here you go. I can't begin to tell you how many times a customer has come in to me thinking they might have hit the jackpot!
The neck has a grafted scroll as is the common practice and the top part of the scroll is well worn from many years of service.
The scroll on this Strad seems a bit roughly carved to my eye and hastily produces. I am not sure why this is. The rest of the instrument is so beautiful and well crafted it makes me think Strad did not do this work or an apprentice perhaps made the scroll.

Here's another look at the top.

(Photo: Jimmy McManus, with his recently purchased Hershey Violin). While existing supplies last, we will be offering my hand-made violins and violas with just 50% down and no interest payments for 12 months. Or, 24 months @ 10% interest. This program offers the musician considerable savings.

12 month Example: On a $6000.00 purchase you pay $3000.00 down (plus tax). Then, pay only $250.00 per month (plus tax) over the next 12 months with no interest charged.

Two year contracts are also available @ 10% interest.
Example: With a $3000.00 balance over 24 months your payments would be $137.50 per month (plus tax) for 24 months.

Instrument prices range from $4500.00 to $12,000.00.

Stop by our shop to pick out your very own hand-made Hershey violin or viola today!

Jimmy McManus enjoying his recently purchased Hershey Violin.
A sample line-up of the Hershey violins still available for trial and purchase.
A close-up view of #42 violin.

My one of a kind 5-string violin recent made and available.
The makers label as viewed through the ff hole. Makers certificates are issued to all Hershey violins.
Before an instrument is varnished, it is strung up in the "White" to access tonal adjustments.

Every instrument I make begins with mold and the ribs are attached to this mold during the making process.
Cutting the corners "Bee-Sting" purfling groove.
The peg box is carefully drilled out then the wood is removed. Care must be taken to avoid drilling through the peg head.

A close-up of the "Bee-Sting" purfling grove.
Every plate (top and back) are tuned to my specifications, resulting in the classic Hershey tone.

 

scott-viewing-violin

Hershey Violins

11 West Main Street
Mechanicsburg, Pa 17055
717.697.6341

Shop Hours:

Tue. thru Fri: 11am – 5pm
Saturday: 10am – 3pm
Other hours by appointment
call: 717. 697. 6341