ANTIQUE VIOLIN 4/4 CIRCA 1780-1800 HOPF VIOLIN--AMAZING CONDITION

Description

This is a beautiful violin made in Klingenthal, Saxony, Germany circa 1780 by a member of the Hopf dynasty, either David Christian Hopf or David August Hopf. Early Hopf such as this one had a beautiful golden-amber varnish that displayed the beauty of the wood. Starting just after 1820 a nut-brown varnish became the standard for most of the Hopf family. Only the older Hopf possess such beautiful wood, varnish, shape, character, and tone. The tonewoods are as good as I have ever seen on a Hopf, with wildly figured Carpathian Mountain maple for the back, ribs, and neck, and the top of fine quality spruce,
tight grained widening slightly to medium fine as it moves to the edges. I would think this spruce was obtained
probably from the high altitude alps. This is an artist or soloist instrument. The power is incredible, as is the tone.
It is a personal flat model unlike the later huge violins so poorly made it affected the reputation of the Hopf family of makers.
The new strings are German Silver. New Lewis bridge, new soundpost, new ebony tailpiece, Sacconi tailgut, and new ebony Guarneri style chinrest.
It is very rare to find an old instrument in such very good condition.
There are two previous repairs I can see, One is a lower wing patch on the bass side and the other a crack extending from the lower bass side f-hole to the edge under the chinrest. It is a solid repair.
This is an outstanding violin.
In the past the neck angle was reset and the neck length extended.
Length of back is
exactly 14" (rare for a Hopf), upper bout 6-3/16", lower bout is 7-3/4", and oal is 23-1/8". The original amber varnish is in very good condition.
Have fun playing it. The tone is so good you will be stunned. It is utterly fantastic.
A nice case and good quality bow will be included.
Will be packed and shipped professionally for a safe arrival. I go out of my way to make buyers happy. Please feel free to ask any questions about this instrument.