Scottish violin by James Hardie & Sons

James Hardie (1836-1916) is not only one of the most famous Scottish violin makers but also one of the most noteworthy figures in English violin making altogether. His great productivity is legendary: not counting early works such as the cello he crafted at the tender age of 9, his life’s work includes over 2,000 instruments. The approximately 200 violins he patterned after the Maggini model are widely considered among his best works, and this Maggini replica features its original label which is dated 1896 and reads “James Hardie & Sons, Edinburgh.” The violin is a rather large rare and especially beautiful instrument with a very low arch. Its rich oil varnish of an intensely radiant dark orange coats the moderately grained premium spruce of the top and the flamed maple of the back, which has an antique character with its slight crackling and wonderful patina. Despite a somewhat amateurish repair made to the left sound hole, the violin is in excellent general condition and ready to play. Its very unique sound is dark, exceptionally sophisticated and somewhat nasal with a clearly articulated voice.