A Chinese violin labelled Andreas Tilson 2011

This handsome violin, marketed through a Californian distributor, has been assigned a half-Italian, half German name, but is almost certainly made in China. The one-piece back is of vividly-flamed maple, enhanced by a golden orange-red, antiqued varnish. The tone is resonant, warm and balanced, with depth in the lower registers and clarity without harshness in the upper strings. This would make an excellent instrument for students advancing through the middle and upper grades.