English violin maker Benjamin Banks (b. 1727, d. 1795) began his apprenticeship at the age of 14 under his uncle, William Hutoft, who, incidentally, made a variety of instruments including guitars and keyboards. In 1747, Banks embarked on his journey making only orchestral instruments after the uncle’s death. The 1760’s was witness to Banks emerging as an exceptional English luthier, specifically in Salisbury. During this period, Banks established a strong partnership with the London instrument trade to sell and distribute his work. The violin offered to you is branded under the button and reads “Longman & Lukey & Company, 1080 _____ St., London” as this firm handled sales for Banks’ instruments.
In the latter years of his career, his sons worked alongside him in the family business. Banks’ models and styles were driven by the trends in music styles and also by instruments fashioned by the Amati family, Stradivari, and Stainer.
The Banks violin. whose top is cloaked in a dark brown varnish, sporting medium brown hues on the back and ribs, has an appealing robust silhouette and a sound to match. Play the Banks in a quartet, chamber orchestra, or as soloist and be allured by the far-ringing tones, comfort, and exhilarating bariolage from this wonderful violin. The Banks will transport you to a sublime musical experience!