The Makers:

Andrew Dipper is a skilled restorer, historian, writer and sculptor. After studying sculpture and violinmaking in London and Cremona, he founded Dipper Restorations in London, England in 1975. He relocated to Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1990 where he joined Claire Givens Violins, Inc. as Vice President.

Examples of his restoration and conservation work can be found in many of the world’s foremost public and private musical instrument collections, including: the Metropolitan Museum in New York; the Federal Musical Instrument Museum of Berlin; the National Music Museum, Vermillion, South Dakota; and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Appearance:

Our very own Andrew Dipper crafted this instrument in Taynton, England in 1982 out of a beam from an 18th-century house. This violin is a 16th-century Andrea Amati model, characterized by its distinctive shape, with high arches, sharp corners, and larger f-holes – a rare choice among contemporary makers.

Sound & Feel:

This violin has a sweet, introspective and even tone, and projects well on the upper end. This would be a great choice for an advanced violinist who loves playing chamber music.

Materials:

Belly: Spruce, Two-Piece

Back: Maple, Two-Piece

Specs:

Back length: 35.6 cm

String length: 32.6 cm