Wessex Violin VI116-4/4 (XV Series) Reddish Brown Set Up

The Wessex 'XV' is a handmade modern interpretation of the English school of violin making. The instruments are made to the highest standards using Balkan maple and Bavarian spruce and are finished with a traditional chestnut-brown oil based varnish that recreates the look of English makers Kennedy and Hill. Building upon a tradition of English workshop craftsmanship lost since the middle of the last century.

The United Kingdom can boast some of the finest individual makers in the world today and celebrates a history of excellence as epitomised by the tradition of the Newark School. These instruments are made from selected materials and have a robust sound. Featuring quality ebony, rosewood or boxwood fittings in French or English pattern. Despiau 'two tree' bridge fitted as standard.

Each instrument is individually labelled and is accompanied by a hand written Certificate of Authenticity, bearing photographs of the instrument. The rear of the violin is made from two pieces of figured Balkan maple with ribs and scroll in a similar wood. The table in made from two pieces of Bavarian spruce of narrow/medium-narrow grain. The varnish is typically of a rich chestnut brown or gold ground. Wessex, the region to the west of London and reaching out to rural Devon has its own claim to English violin making heritage. The cathedral city of Salisbury, the ancient capital of Wessex, was home to Benjamin Banks (1727-95), a reputed and prolific maker. Violin making in England has a strong heritage with celebrated makers such as William Forster, Thomas Kennedy, Benjamin Banks, the Hills, John Lott et al. produced fine instruments, especially cellos. Building upon a tradition of English workshop craftsmanship lost since the middle of the last century. In the modern era Britain has some of the finest makers living whose work is regularly sought after by soloists and professionals alike. The United Kingdom can boast some of the finest individual makers in the world today and celebrates a history of excellence as epitomised by the tradition of the Newark School.

This instrument has been set up by an experience professional violin maker in our store. The pegs have been filled and pasted, the soundpost has been adjusted and the bridge has been filed down and correctly fitted to an optimum height. These adjustments vastly improve the performance of the instrument and allow the violin to reach its full tonal potential. The set up also includes the fitting of high quality Tonica violin strings to further develop the sound and make this instrument truly unique.