Violin by James Hardie, Edinburgh, 1890
This violin has now sold.
About James Hardie
James Hardie was a prolific maker and seller of violins, based in Edinburgh. He is credited with helping to put the city on the map once more as a centre of violin-making: this title had moved west to Glasgow by the second half of the 19th century.
Hardie worked as a teacher up until 1863, after which time he established his own violin shop in Edinburgh. This violin was made whilst his shop was on Marshall Street, just a ten minute walk from our shop today! Hardie made over 200 instruments during the course of his career, assisted by his sons.
About the violin
The violin is modelled after the instruments of the Cremonese maker Guarneri `del Gesù´, whose instruments are renowned for their combination of dark tone coupled with projection. It was made in 1890 and has a length of back of 363mm.
The violin has a two piece back of book-matched maple, the flame descending from the centre joint. The front is two pieces of even-grained spruce and the varnish is golden brown in colour.
How does it sound?
This violin is an instrument for a player who wants to be heard. The violin possesses both of those characteristics, though is just slightly balanced towards projection and away from being too muddy. This instrument is very flexible, responding quickly to a light touch, and being very happy with a heavier hand. The violin would be equally at home with a classical or traditional playing style.
Condition
The violin is in extremely good condition.