Antonio Strad Violin: Sanctus Seraphin

Sanctus Seraphin

An Italian violin. Labeled Sanctus Seraphin utinensis Fecit Venetiis Ann 1733. Two pieces maple back and spruce top, the front with some Tyrolese in its medium rise, back has less, in golden-orange color. Purfling also exquisitely accurate, examine it with a magnifying glass and the flawless neatness will stand the test. Very desirable mature rich sound, excellent instrument for soloist. The body length is 358mm.

Sanctus Seraphin Udine (Vedinum) and Venice: 1665-1748, worked under guidance of Nicolo Amati before 1692, his instruments' versatility of modeling a remarkably characteristic feature combines Amati, Stainer and even Magginiinan original manner. Varnish mostly a golden-brown, sometimes a orange-red, occasionally a dark-red. Generally of brilliant appearance, often splendidly transparent and soft, but also at times rather hard and dry with its usual accompaniment of crackling. Nearly always plentifully applied. Tonal quality resonant and very responsive, not of extraordinary brilliancy but of good carrying power, richly mellow, and in fact all the attributes that soloists are continually hankering after.