A.E. Smith Violin Sydney 1952

This violin was made by the ‘father of Australian violin makers’ Arthur Edward Smith. Smith was born in 1880 in London & 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 & opened 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 & Harry Vatiliotis began their careers & training here. Between 1897 & 1970 Smith made close to 200 violins, 40 violas & 3 cellos. Smith’s instruments became sought after by prominent violinists of the time including Isaac Stern, Ruggieri Ricci, Yehudi Menuhin & David Oistrakh. Smith passed away in 1978 in Canberra at age 98. 

This violin is labelled ‘Arthur E Smith Sydney Faciebat Anno 1952,’ & has been modelled on a Stradivarius violin. The body measures 355mm along the back, 165mm across the upper bouts & 205mm across the lower bouts. The back is made from two pieces of highly flamed maple, & the ribs & scroll have been selected to match the back. The top is made from spruce with a straight grain. This violin has a good cover of golden to dark brown varnish & is in an outstanding state of conservation. 

Overall this violin has a big, bright & powerful sound with outstanding projection & an instant response time. The sound is extremely well balanced between the low range that is complex, full & open compared to the high range which is brilliant & clear. This violin is suitable for the professional musician, advancing soloist, chamber musician or tertiary student. This instrument is currently fitted with ‘Larsen Il Cannone’ violin strings to enhance the natural projection & brightness of this violin. 

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