The Makers:

This violin was made by Arthur II and John II from the Betts family in 1851. The Betts family was one of the most prominent names in English violin making, known for both craftsmanship and their deep connection to fine historic instruments. The tradition began with John Betts, who established a celebrated workshop in the Royal Exchange around 1782, working with some of the leading makers of the period such as Vincenzo Panormo, Henry Locky Hill, and B. S. Fendt, just to name a few. Apart from making and restorations, he also traded and restored exceptional Italian instruments.

After John Betts’ death, the business passed through to Arthur Betts and later his sons, Arthur II and John II. Under their leadership, the workshop continued under the name “Arthur and John Betts”. The family is also closely associated with the famous Betts Stradivari violin, one of the most renowned Stradivari instruments, which helped cement the Betts name as a benchmark in the history of fine violins.

Appearance:

It is finished with a rich reddish-brown varnish, featuring a two-piece back made from finely figured maple. The top is carved from two-pieces of straight, fine-grained spruce. This is a very well-preserved example of the work of the Betts being in excellent condition.

Sound & Feel:

This Arthur and John Betts violin possesses a dark, warm, and resonant tone that immediately captures the listener’s ears. It offers the player a beautiful singing quality with clarity, depth, and a rich tonal color across all strings. The instrument is very well balanced throughout its registers, responding smoothly and evenly under the bow with a strong, focused core to the sound.

Materials:

Belly: Spruce, Two-Piece

Back: Maple, Two-Piece

Certificate:

Specs:

Back length: 35.5 cm

String length: 32.8 cm