History of volins and violin making in Plymouth

A short post concerning the history of violins in Plymouth, Massachusetts (home of Violins of Plymouth). There was no history and no violins in Plimoth!

Settlers were interested in the Puritan church and worship. Services included no instrumental music. Not for
a century or more!

They traveled light. And late in the year. Bad weather was typical.

William Bradford was the leader.He is never portrayed as smiling?

Yes, a fort was necessary despite the TG celebration.

Relations with native Americans were occasionally troublesome (King Phillip War).

Living quarters were primitive.

Wives were kept busy.

Some workers were not compensated!

Farming was essential to provide sufficient food. Food was basic!

The intrepid leader encouraged all to work and pray! No violins and no music. No violin making. Back in the home country his Puritan cohort, Oliver Cromwell, was busy assisting the English king Charles Stewart; shame Charles did not pray satisfactorily.

Worship was mandatory and the Sabbath was lengthy and uncomfortable. As Rev. John Cotton taught, all were to ultimately rest here!

Plymouth is better now!

Please visit Plymouth as in "ViolinsofPlymouth"

 Plymouth or Plimoth?

 

For you blog followers from distant points, it is time to introduce Plymouth, Massachusetts, 1620!

Mayflower Society House

Unitarian Church

Plymouth Rock

Lobster Pound Market

Mill

Pier  "Bug" Light

Waterfront

Plimoth Plantation

Native American/Plantation Museum

Waterfront

Miles Standish Site

Cormorants

Lobster bouy

Sunset from Plymouth Beach

Waterfront scene

Mayflower 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Antonio Stradivarius lives!

A violin blog must introduce the great Antonio Stradivari! Did Antonio learn in the Amati workshop? Did he learn next to Andreas Guarnerius? Did he use the label "Amati"?  We may never know!

He did start with some maple backs cut on the slab (i.e.one piece construction). At ViolinsofPlymouth, I have started with a "slab" back as Stradivari did...

Great violin with a length of 13 3/4". Perfect for a smaller player but offering a bold sound!

Jacob Steiner, violin maker of Absam, Austria- Photo Album

The reproduction of Jacob Steiner's violin has been photographed (and PhotoShopped).

A freeze dried Jacob Steiner!

 Shoulder rest on and ready to be played!

f holes...

Is this the proper chin rest?

Best maple Steiner could hope for.

Steiner liked angels at the scroll (here on the tail).

A plastic wrapped Steiner, Ready for shipment. REMOVE WRAPPER BEFORE LISTENING!

Amati Family Page

Time to recognize the historic contributions of the Amati Family of Cremona! Andreas, dates 1520-1580 approx., was the founding father and an early viol maker. His violins frequently has pearwood backs and many were slab cut. His most famous 24 violins were made for the French king Charles IX, instruments featuring a fine inlay construction. Most of these fine instruments were lost in 1789 during the French revolution! These violins inspired the ViolinsofPlymouth reproduction (slab backed)  shown in the included photographs!

Sons Antonio  and Hieronymus (dates approx. 1570-1635) made smaller and larger violins, respectively. Both used slab backs at times and darker varnishes.

Nicolo, son of Hieronymus, dates 1596-1684, is considered the most talented maker of the family. His works included the "Grand Amati"; all exhibited fine detail and magnificent varnishes.

President Thomas Jefferson owned and played and Amati instrument.Many are prized in orchestras and chamber music groups today! My first teacher, recently arrived from Latvia, played an "Amati" violin. The Amati workshop was the most prominant "school" of violin making in this early period.