Violin by Alexander Murdoch, Aberdeen, 1884

About Alexander Murdoch

Alexander Murdoch was born in Aberdeenshire in 1815 and was the son of a farm labourer. He was largely self-taught and produced instruments which show some influence from the early Aberdeen makers such as Robert Duncan and Joseph Ruddiman. It is possible that Murdoch completed some training with the Aberdeen maker Thomas Jamieson: their work shares many characteristics, most notably arching which begins relatively late and then rises sharply to the middle of the instrument.

Murdoch and some of his contemporaries are interesting for their rejection of classical styles in favour of a more local look: this fascinating refusal to produce fashionable instruments similar to the European workshop imports ensured that the Aberdeen school remained distinct and characterful in an era of standardisation and mass production.

About this violin

This violin was made in Aberdeen in 1884 and is built on Murdoch's distinctive personal model which references the earlier makers of the city.

The violin has a one piece back of local sycamore with ribs and scroll to match. The front is two pieces of spruce and the varnish is a light golden-brown colour.

The violin has a length of back of 358 mm.

How does it sound?

This violin is the second by Murdoch that we've had through the shop: both violins are utterly charming and share a characterful and distinctive voice. The violin is bright and cheerful with good projection and the kind of clarity that can rise above a dance band with ease.

Condition

The violin is in excellent condition with no cracks.

More information

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