Peter White – #269 Violin

Violin, #269, is based upon the form used by Guarneri del Gesu. The instrument was made in 2020. The appearance of this violin compares to what del Gesu’s work might have looked like when new. The arching contours follow Guarneri’s work, as do the corners and purfling. They both meet in the corners, without the “bee-stings” as seen on Antonio Stradivari’s work.

The color of the oil varnish is a fairly deep red over a lustrous golden undercoat. This finish gives the instrument a real depth and character similar to the oil varnishes used in 18th century Italy. White cooked this varnish himself at his home workshop using the formula he developed with a colleague in New Mexico, a famous upright bass maker. The varnish is soft and clear, with more gold shading in the top upper and lower bouts, including the center of the back. It’s a handsome instrument with a warm and balanced tone.

Peter White has won many gold medals in American contests for his violins, violas, and cellos. He has 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.