Violin by William Luff, Worthing, 1983
This violin has now sold.
About William Luff
William Luff was born in Essex in 1904. He initially trained as a violinist before becoming interested in the making of instruments whilst attending an evening class on the subject. Luff served his apprenticeship at Dykes & Son under the superb French maker Max Millant, later working for J. and A. Beare before setting up his own workshop in 1955. Luff retired to Worthing in 1969 but continued to make violins up until his death in 1993.
William Luff is widely regarded as one of the finest English makers of his generation. Interestingly, his nephew and pupil, Glenn Collins, was one of the founders of the Newark School of Violin Making. These two makers have done a great deal between them to further the cause of British violin making.
About the violin
The violin was made in Worthing, Sussex, in 1983 . It is modelled after the instruments of Guarneri `del Gesù´.
The violin has a two piece back of medium-flamed maple, the figuration ascending from the centre joint. The ribs and scroll are of similar wood. The front is two pieces of straight-grained spruce, widening towards the flanks. The varnish is a rich amber-brown, laid over a lighter golden ground.
The violin has a length of back of 352 mm.
How does it sound?
An incredibly loud violin which would be any player´s secret weapon in the concerto repertoire! The overall tone is dark and rich but with so much power that the richness really carries. Hugely responsive, this violin gives you the feeling that it´s ready to go!
Condition
The violin is in excellent condition.