A.E. Smith Violin Maldon Australia 1907

This violin was made by the ‘father of Australian violin makers’ Arthur Edward Smith in Maldon, England, in 1907. Born in London in 1880, Arthur Edward Smith began his career as an engineer before turning to violin making. After learning the craft in England and spending time in Melbourne and San Francisco, he settled in Sydney and established his own workshop in 1919. Smith’s Hunter Street workshop became an important centre for Australian violin making, repair and restoration, training a number of makers who went on to become prominent in their own right. He handcrafted around 250 instruments, including violins, violas and cellos, drawing on the traditions of the great Italian makers. His instruments attracted leading musicians, including Yehudi Menuhin and Isaac Stern. In 1949, he received diplomas of honour for both violin and viola at the International Exhibition of Violin Makers in The Hague. In 1971, he was awarded an MBE for his services to music.

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.