Violin by George F. Watson, Aberdeen, 1926
This violin has now sold.
About violin making in Aberdeen
This violin is a very good example of the Aberdeen school of violin making. It displays the dark, almost purple varnish which is first seen in instruments by the 18th century maker Joseph Ruddiman and became characteristic of this school. Aberdeen and the surrounding area has been home to a number of fine makers over the past 250 years: their presence had a significant impact on the quality of the local amateur makers.
About George F. Watson
According to the author of the seminal text on Scottish violin making, David Rattray, Scotland is probably home to the greatest number of amateur makers per capita in the world: Watson is one of their number and uses a personal model as is common.
About the violin
The violin was made in 1926 and has a length of back is 355mm. It is varnished in the thick, brownish-purple varnish for which the Aberdeen makers are known. The two piece back is of maple with a straight horizontal flame and the front is of relatively fine-grained spruce. The workmanship is deft and confident.
How does it sound?
The violin has a bright, clean sound which has a good deal of zest to it. It is even across the strings and feels reliable to play.
Condition
The violin is in excellent condition with no cracks.