Peter White – Antonio Stradivari Model Violin #258

Peter White Antonio Stradivari Model Violin #258

Peter White’s Antonio Stradivari Model #258 was completed in 2019. The top is made of very close-grain American Spruce, cut by John Tepper in Shady Cove, Oregon. In varnishing the top, the maker achieved the appearance of time-browned wood beneath the varnish, composing a slightly antiqued look. Small scratch marks are found in the finish, as seen in the most carefully preserved Italian instruments of the past. The flamed maple back, a brilliant gold color with reddish brown center bouts, is made of beautiful European curly maple.

This violin is one White’s favorite instruments because it has the look and sound of a fine old violin. The arching features match Stradivari’s golden period at the end of the eighteenth century. Classical musicians who have played this violin find it to be very resonant, responsive, and particularly easy to play. The violin feels light which accounts for both its tone and easy playability. It is well balanced from the high strings to the low, and has a smooth, silky projection, suitable for any level of musician.

Peter White has won many gold medals in American contests for his violins, violas, and cellos. He also won a gold medal for his detailed copy of Andrea Amati’s 1560 violin and viola. This award was given to him at the first International Competition for Antiqued Instruments in 2010, Cremona, Italy. Most of White’s education in violin making was done under Jan Pawlikowski in Krakow Poland, and through short internships in other European violin shops.