A violin by James Hardie, Edinburgh, 1900

About James Hardie

James Hardie was a prolific maker and seller of violins, based in the centre of 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 at 117 Nicholson Street, just a fifteen minute walk from our shop today! Hardie made over 200 instruments during the course of his career, assisted by his sons.

About the violin

This violin was made in Edinburgh in 1900 and is Hardie's own interpretation of the Guarneri 'del Gesù' model.

The violin has a two piece back of quarter-sawn maple with ribs and scroll to match. The front is two pieces of medium-grained local pine and the varnish is reddish brown in colour, laid over a slightly pink ground.

The violin has a length of back of 362 mm.

How does it sound?

James Hardie is a consistent maker: all the violins we know by him are bright, characterful instruments with lots of power. This one is certainly no exception! Not an instrument for a shy player, this is a brilliantly bold violin that is great fun to play.

Condition

The violin is in very good condition.

More information

For more options, please view other violins in this price range.