The stripes, that change from dark to light as the light source changes direction, are due to the orientation of the wood fibers with respect to the surface. This is a property of wood called chatoyance. It may be enhanced by the varnish, but it is not caused by it.
Thank you Sir for sharing your valuble archaive photos of the Stradivari instruments. Its a toss up whether I would be happier playing a violin or carving one! Thank you for these ambrosia photographs!
Shortly after Andres Segovia passed away, some of his guitars were on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. I got right up close (as far as the glass enclosures would let me) and just sunk in the essence and relished being in the presence of the Master's instruments. Watching this video reminded me of that experience.
Just like you, I love museums. I especially love the "Met" and the curator Stewart Pollens, who would pull the instruments off display and allow me to play, examine, and compare them with my own. I am forever grateful. At the same time, it's amazing how much beauty and emotion "can" be experienced, even when they're being protected behind the glass, as long as someone is loving and playing upon them every once in a while. = They do have personalities and souls.
Unfortunately, back then at the Smithsonian, when they pulled the violins off display and brought them to me in the basement there were noisy fans constantly running so my recordings were really bad. = I'll make better arrangements for instruments like this in the future.
I've looked at this numerous times although there's always something I missed So I think mine the tailpiece is original this one has been replaced butt still very beautiful n alot better condition than mine !
I always admired his purlings and always looked at the "bee sting" and I don't think anyone could do it better than Antonio.His purflings are magnificently carved and placed One interesting thing that you mentioned Kevin was that Del Gesu was a pupil of Antonio? Is that a fact or conjecture? I thought he only had Omobono and Francesco as pupils. Do you see a resemblance between Antonios varnish and Del Gesu? Is it possible they they were outsourced by a pharmacist or furniture maker? Whats your thoughts on this subject ( you've see so many). What was it that mesmerized you about that C-bout? You never cease to amaze me my friend! Another wonderful and informative video which I certainly appreciate. This subject is so very interesting. Thank you as always and Stay Safe!!
And I wanted to add that it's very kind and respectful of you to include that magnificent Goodkind (commissioned) painting of Antonio. He would have been so grateful.
Actually Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri "Del Gesú" is the grandson of Andrea Guarneri (who was an apprentice of Amati, who was also mentor to Stradivari). There's no proof of any direct mentorship between Stradivari and Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri "Del Gesú".
I took all of the photos (over a hundred) with a 35mm camera and had to get my scanner fixed so I can scan the negatives. = it shouldn't be too long now.
Violins of any age always-always-have worn right shoulders. If they have ever been played for any length of time the right shoulder will always be worn bc the violinist’s left hand will have brushed along that shoulder as they are moving up and down the fingerboard over the years of performing. While I have no idea how much this particular instrument has been played, it would be highly unusual for any instrument to have a nicely varnished right shoulder.
You are correct. A professional violinist can wear the varnish off the treble shoulder of a fine violin within a matter of weeks/months (also under the chin if no chinrest is used, and the ribs against the neck). The only way for the varnish to remain "nice" in these areas is to have them French polished with a harder varnish and keep French polishing these areas every year or so for the entire life of the instrument. This is considered "standard maintenance" for a virtuoso violinist playing upon a master instrument.
The story of NMM deserves it's own episode. The Larson collection alone - the collection that kinda kicked off the NMM - is a very compelling story (in fact, it's a lot of intriguing stories totaling 2500 instruments from around the world). The continued work of the NMM is amazing (pulling in a second Stradivari violin AND a Strad guitar.... ridiculous).
Oh my god, there is no words to describe what i'm feeling right now, my heart just stop and them it beat like crazy, its like falling in love, dammit i want to play it so much that i could die to just play a song in this violin.
I haven't checked in a few years, but if you are an accomplished violinist, and are willing to travel and meet, according to their schedule, sometimes it is possible to make arrangements to play upon this instrument. Yes, it ends up being a few thousand dollars by the time you're done, but it is a wonderful, once in a lifetime opportunity.
When I seen the crooked corner that trademark was just like mine Mmmm Mmmm breathtaking @ last ✔️ my varnish still glows with perfection with the 💡 butt ! My tailpiece is whalebone n not Black? Great video I'm very impressed 😊🤗
WOW! My violin has so many similarities as the Harrison even down 2 the off set edges my peg keys have mother of pearl the wear marks r quite identical butt mine is n ruff shape don't really trust no one to examine it or restore it Butt ur video helped me out tremendously thank u Patrick ☺️
damn... i just realized my violín is not that bad in terms of craft... the wood.. well i'ts cheap, but the craftsmanship is lovely... never in the lvl of an actual strad, but i can see where the luthier was trying to implement all those master's secrets... I'd say he was in his way to learn the good secrets and he provably made much better violins after this one, is a german violin from 1982
I think this whole fascination and obscene value of the older violins is a big crock of crap. I’ve seen quite a bit of information indicating that many modern well made violins sound as good or even better than these old relics. To each his own I guess. I don’t buy it.
I admire the old masters, their discoveries, and their place in history, and the prices for them should be compared to purchasing a Da Vinci or a Van Gogh, and why you may consider purchasing one of my instruments. 😁 Thanks for watching!
I haven't visited with the "Harrison" for many years, and I don't know The National Music Museum's current policies, but they used to let professional violinists and violin makers visit with, and play upon it if you called ahead with proper references. It's worth the trip, and they have many other wonderful instruments also.
Case studies have shown that professional violinists cannot tell the difference between a Strad and a modern violin. In fact, in one test, they PREFERRED the modern violins to the mystical Strads of old almost unanimously. Sure, it's a great violin and a museum piece, but objectively it's not better than any other violin of high quality.
Not just professional violinists but dealers too, and people who have heard many Strad's and Guarneri's in person. It really is interesting. I personally love Peter Greiner's violins. He could possibly be the greatest maker alive today. When I heard one of his violins live in concert I was blown away... I thought it was a genuine Strad!
If u had as much knowledge as me u should compare it what u hear from other people n studies don't assume n then .ake a comment cause u cod b wrong 😧😞🥳🥳🤗
I find it sad nearly all stradivarius have been "reshaped to modern standards"... No doubt affects the sound especially when done poorly, choking tension added on instruments originally tailored for lighter setups, even the fingerboard length affects the sound though more pronounced on cellos, we may never know the original design and tone of these instruments sadly... but still people say the sound is good despite all of these changes. What do you think?
Have a look at www.violincad.com/violin/betts/article.htm especially the part about the C-bout. This is for the 1704 Betts, but I think the long model construction can be found as well. gene6@gmail.com
@@gensoustudio6270 the website was designed using java and microsoft XP and older os's. Now with windows 10 it no longer works. It was released in 2001. I am going to try to update it to work with windows. Thanks
@@kevinleeluthier in the simplest of terms, when you speculate, it is not factual. If the fiddle was made with a crooked rim joint, was it intensional to be...rustic for the world or was it simply a bad joint? You sure don't know. And neither do I.
Even after studying art and visiting over a hundred examples of the masters' work that they did make "all but perfect;" and that these "defects" or "bad joints" do add a certain charm (at least to me), I guess you can still debate whether it's speculation or admiration. The thing is, 90% of the world decided in Stradivari's favor a long time ago, and I, for one, agree. My father didn't agree, and certainly didn't agree with Guarnerius, or VanGogh, for that matter, so to each his own. Thank you so much for commenting. Surreal, abstract, and impressionistic art has always been "debatable." @@CS-eb9wh
@@kevinleeluthier I appreciate your response. To be the devil's advocate and just for fun, just because 90 % of the world might enjoy McDonald's hamburgers, it hardly makes them a five star restaurant.
Yes, but 5-guys hamburgers, oh... I love your attitude, and don't tell anyone else, but would it help if I admitted that Stradivarius made some real "losers" both artistically and acoustically? I'm not going to say which ones because they're in collections with other "winners" and the owners may not let me come back if I outed them! :) I probably shouldn't post this, but you made me! @@CS-eb9wh
So what your are saying is that this a factory relic job ! 2 days to look at a violin and you didn't get to play it!!!! Serious waste of time, if I were you I would re-evaluate my choice of hobbies.
The stripes, that change from dark to light as the light source changes direction, are due to the orientation of the wood fibers with respect to the surface. This is a property of wood called chatoyance. It may be enhanced by the varnish, but it is not caused by it.
Thank you Sir for sharing your valuble archaive photos of the Stradivari instruments. Its a toss up whether I would be happier playing a violin or carving one! Thank you for these ambrosia photographs!
I've seen that Violin in person!! Very nice!!
Shortly after Andres Segovia passed away, some of his guitars were on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. I got right up close (as far as the glass enclosures would let me) and just sunk in the essence and relished being in the presence of the Master's instruments. Watching this video reminded me of that experience.
Just like you, I love museums. I especially love the "Met" and the curator Stewart Pollens, who would pull the instruments off display and allow me to play, examine, and compare them with my own. I am forever grateful.
At the same time, it's amazing how much beauty and emotion "can" be experienced, even when they're being protected behind the glass, as long as someone is loving and playing upon them every once in a while. = They do have personalities and souls.
@@kevinleeluthier maybe he was just in a hurry to get it to his customer
@@kevinleeluthier how much did he sell his violins for ?
Thank you for the beautiful tour!
What a wonderful guided tour of this fine work of art. I wish we could hear you playing it!
Unfortunately, back then at the Smithsonian, when they pulled the violins off display and brought them to me in the basement there were noisy fans constantly running so my recordings were really bad. = I'll make better arrangements for instruments like this in the future.
Great video!
Absolutely beautiful and breathtaking.
Thank you for sharing.
Maria- NC
I got to come back to this. I’m watching it while I’m driving.
Sounds awesome.
I love Herbs picture in the beginning of the vid
Don't watch it while driving! That's dangerous!
That is one beautiful violin a " Masterpiece" the 17 th century ones have all the curves & & 🔔' s n whistles 😙 🥳🥳
4:04 "Richard 'Rick' L. Harrison" ...?? Perhaps the great great great grandpappy of Rick Harrison from Pawn Stars? heheh
Kyung Wha Chung played this strad “Harrison” during 1967-1984.
I've looked at this numerous times although there's always something I missed So I think mine the tailpiece is original this one has been replaced butt still very beautiful n alot better condition than mine !
How in your opinion do long Strads sound compared to the golden period ones?
I have a new violin and it was only played 1 time. The nob to tighten the string is loose. I need to fix it. I don't know who can fix it???
I always admired his purlings and always looked at the "bee sting" and I don't think anyone could do it better than Antonio.His purflings are magnificently carved and placed
One interesting thing that you mentioned Kevin was that Del Gesu was a pupil of Antonio? Is that a fact or conjecture? I thought he only had Omobono and Francesco as pupils. Do you see a resemblance between Antonios varnish and Del Gesu? Is it possible they they were outsourced by a pharmacist or furniture maker? Whats your thoughts on this subject ( you've see so many). What was it that mesmerized you about that C-bout?
You never cease to amaze me my friend! Another wonderful and informative video which I certainly appreciate. This subject is so very interesting. Thank you as always and Stay Safe!!
And I wanted to add that it's very kind and respectful of you to include that magnificent Goodkind (commissioned) painting of Antonio. He would have been so grateful.
Actually Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri "Del Gesú" is the grandson of Andrea Guarneri (who was an apprentice of Amati, who was also mentor to Stradivari). There's no proof of any direct mentorship between Stradivari and Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri "Del Gesú".
I am thinking about the hand tools of the day used to create these living and breathing pieces of art three centuries later...
Can we all just take a moment to remember the $56000 dollars worth of varnish ingredients that Lee mentioned? At 2:44 .... :O
I have one with it's old case. If real it was made the yearhe died. How does one know if it's a copy?
I recognized your style of speech from videos years ago. Still creepy, but nice video!
Hey Kevin, have you done the Cannone video?? I'm really looking for that video but can't find it.
I took all of the photos (over a hundred) with a 35mm camera and had to get my scanner fixed so I can scan the negatives. = it shouldn't be too long now.
Violins of any age always-always-have worn right shoulders. If they have ever been played for any length of time the right shoulder will always be worn bc the violinist’s left hand will have brushed along that shoulder as they are moving up and down the fingerboard over the years of performing. While I have no idea how much this particular instrument has been played, it would be highly unusual for any instrument to have a nicely varnished right shoulder.
You are correct. A professional violinist can wear the varnish off the treble shoulder of a fine violin within a matter of weeks/months (also under the chin if no chinrest is used, and the ribs against the neck). The only way for the varnish to remain "nice" in these areas is to have them French polished with a harder varnish and keep French polishing these areas every year or so for the entire life of the instrument. This is considered "standard maintenance" for a virtuoso violinist playing upon a master instrument.
Hi Kevin I have An old violin how can I know what year it was made I can send you some pictures if you can help me with that thank you
The story of NMM deserves it's own episode. The Larson collection alone - the collection that kinda kicked off the NMM - is a very compelling story (in fact, it's a lot of intriguing stories totaling 2500 instruments from around the world). The continued work of the NMM is amazing (pulling in a second Stradivari violin AND a Strad guitar.... ridiculous).
Oh my god, there is no words to describe what i'm feeling right now, my heart just stop and them it beat like crazy, its like falling in love, dammit i want to play it so much that i could die to just play a song in this violin.
I haven't checked in a few years, but if you are an accomplished violinist, and are willing to travel and meet, according to their schedule, sometimes it is possible to make arrangements to play upon this instrument. Yes, it ends up being a few thousand dollars by the time you're done, but it is a wonderful, once in a lifetime opportunity.
I have one of these
To own a long pattern Stradivarius is a wonderful thing!
When I seen the crooked corner that trademark was just like mine Mmmm Mmmm breathtaking @ last ✔️ my varnish still glows with perfection with the 💡 butt ! My tailpiece is whalebone n not Black? Great video I'm very impressed 😊🤗
😊😊😊
WOW! My violin has so many similarities as the Harrison even down 2 the off set edges my peg keys have mother of pearl the wear marks r quite identical butt mine is n ruff shape don't really trust no one to examine it or restore it Butt ur video helped me out tremendously thank u Patrick ☺️
damn... i just realized my violín is not that bad in terms of craft... the wood.. well i'ts cheap, but the craftsmanship is lovely... never in the lvl of an actual strad, but i can see where the luthier was trying to implement all those master's secrets... I'd say he was in his way to learn the good secrets and he provably made much better violins after this one, is a german violin from 1982
Damn, you should tag this NSFW!
My uncle drank a gallon of varnish….he had a horrible death but a lovely finish
guitar people call a new guitar that is made to look older or used a "relic"
I'm just finishing a video on this topic (about violins) today!
Thanks for your comment!
@@kevinleeluthier thanks for your channel it is the best........
I think this whole fascination and obscene value of the older violins is a big crock of crap. I’ve seen quite a bit of information indicating that many modern well made violins sound as good or even better than these old relics. To each his own I guess. I don’t buy it.
I admire the old masters, their discoveries, and their place in history, and the prices for them should be compared to purchasing a Da Vinci or a Van Gogh, and why you may consider purchasing one of my instruments. 😁 Thanks for watching!
It is a pity that this beauty is locked up in a prison.
It rather should live. You should hear it, not just see it.
I haven't visited with the "Harrison" for many years, and I don't know The National Music Museum's current policies, but they used to let professional violinists and violin makers visit with, and play upon it if you called ahead with proper references. It's worth the trip, and they have many other wonderful instruments also.
@@kevinleeluthier Thanks for your answer. If this is the case I'm ready to take back my criticisms. By the way, I love your very instructive videos.
Case studies have shown that professional violinists cannot tell the difference between a Strad and a modern violin. In fact, in one test, they PREFERRED the modern violins to the mystical Strads of old almost unanimously. Sure, it's a great violin and a museum piece, but objectively it's not better than any other violin of high quality.
Not just professional violinists but dealers too, and people who have heard many Strad's and Guarneri's in person.
It really is interesting.
I personally love Peter Greiner's violins. He could possibly be the greatest maker alive today. When I heard one of his violins live in concert I was blown away... I thought it was a genuine Strad!
If u had as much knowledge as me u should compare it what u hear from other people n studies don't assume n then .ake a comment cause u cod b wrong 😧😞🥳🥳🤗
Am1 din1737 sale
Stradivari worship goes too far. The imperfections are just that. Imperfections. Stradivari was still learning in 1693.
I'm guessing that you know absolutely nothing about instrument making.
Szerintem nemeredeti hiba sok
I find it sad nearly all stradivarius have been "reshaped to modern standards"... No doubt affects the sound especially when done poorly, choking tension added on instruments originally tailored for lighter setups, even the fingerboard length affects the sound though more pronounced on cellos, we may never know the original design and tone of these instruments sadly... but still people say the sound is good despite all of these changes. What do you think?
Have a look at www.violincad.com/violin/betts/article.htm
especially the part about the C-bout. This is for the 1704 Betts,
but I think the long model construction can be found as well.
gene6@gmail.com
@@genebidwell9330 really informative, thanks!
@@gensoustudio6270 the website was designed using java and microsoft XP and older os's. Now with windows 10 it no longer works. It was released in 2001. I am going to try to update it to work with windows.
Thanks
Wow! I like the instrument. You, on the other hand, seem to be about 1/2 full of shit and 1/2 full of facts. I appreciate the facts.
I love it also. Yet, please be specific with your concerns so I can address them properly. :) Regardless, thank you so much for watching!
@@kevinleeluthier in the simplest of terms, when you speculate, it is not factual. If the fiddle was made with a crooked rim joint, was it intensional to be...rustic for the world or was it simply a bad joint? You sure don't know. And neither do I.
Even after studying art and visiting over a hundred examples of the masters' work that they did make "all but perfect;" and that these "defects" or "bad joints" do add a certain charm (at least to me), I guess you can still debate whether it's speculation or admiration. The thing is, 90% of the world decided in Stradivari's favor a long time ago, and I, for one, agree. My father didn't agree, and certainly didn't agree with Guarnerius, or VanGogh, for that matter, so to each his own. Thank you so much for commenting. Surreal, abstract, and impressionistic art has always been "debatable." @@CS-eb9wh
@@kevinleeluthier I appreciate your response. To be the devil's advocate and just for fun, just because 90 % of the world might enjoy McDonald's hamburgers, it hardly makes them a five star restaurant.
Yes, but 5-guys hamburgers, oh...
I love your attitude, and don't tell anyone else, but would it help if I admitted that Stradivarius made some real "losers" both artistically and acoustically? I'm not going to say which ones because they're in collections with other "winners" and the owners may not let me come back if I outed them! :) I probably shouldn't post this, but you made me! @@CS-eb9wh
So what your are saying is that this a factory relic job !
2 days to look at a violin and you didn't get to play it!!!!
Serious waste of time, if I were you I would re-evaluate my choice of hobbies.