A.E. Smith Violin Maldon 1907

This violin was made by the ‘father of Australian violin makers’ Arthur Edward Smith in Maldon, England, in 1907. Smith was born in 1880 in London and migrated to Australia in 1909. After spending just a few years in Melbourne, Smith lived for two years in San Francisco before moving back to Australia in 1914, opening a shop in Sydney. Throughout Smith’s almost 50 years in Sydney, now well-known Australian violin-makers such as Guy Aubrey Griffin, William Dolphin, Lloyd Adams, Ronald Cragg, Phillip Burgess, Cedric Clarke and Harry Vatiliotis began their careers and training here. Between 1897 and 1970 Smith made close to 200 violins, 40 violas and 3 cellos. Smith’s instruments became sought after by prominent violinists of the time including Isaac Stern, Ruggieri Ricci, Yehudi Menuhin and David Oistrakh. Smith passed away in 1978 in Canberra at age 98.

It is labelled "Jeffrey & Sons / (made by a. E. Smith) / Maldon 1907 no.16". The body measures 359mm along the back, 166mm across the upper bouts and 207mm across the lower bouts. It has a two-piece back of highly flamed maple with a narrow curl, with matching ribs and scroll. The top is off a moderately grained spruce, and the violin is finished with a gold-brown varnish, and has stained-boxwood tailpiece and pegs. It is in good condition.

This violin produces a large sound full of precision and clarity. It is remarkably easy to play and allows violinists to cultivate a rich and powerful tone suited for performing Classical and Romantic solo repertoire. It responds well to changes in dynamics and articulation, and projects very easily into a crowd of any size. This violin is suited for professional players, and would flourish in a solo or chamber music setting.

Please contact us if you would like to book an appointment to try this beautiful English violin.