Ian Sweetman violin #102, Hamilton New Zealand 1993

Ian Sweetman, one of New Zealand’s top makers, was in his prime when he made this, his 102^nd violin. The flame of the one-piece maple back glows under Ian’s copal varnish, produced from fossil kauri gum harvested in the Waikato. The modelling and overall style is based on the work of Guarneri del Gesu, giving the violin a rich and resonant tone across all four strings and in all registers. As is the case with many great violins, the amount of sound under the ear is deceptive – from even a short distance away, its power and projection are impressive. This will be an excellent performance instrument for diploma and university level students, and for serious adult players.