John Shaw was active c. 1655–1698.  He was a prominent English musical instrument maker based in London  best known for his exceptional craftsmanship in making both viols and early violins.  Shaw reached the peak of his profession when he was appointed as the musical instrument maker to the court of William III (William of Orange) in 1688. He operated his business from a shop with the sign of the Golden Harp and Ho-boy (oboe) located in the Strand, near the Savoy in London. He was an apprentice to John Carr, another notable figure in the London music trade, and early labels from 1673 identify him as “Carved and made by John Shaw and sold by John Carr.”

The violin has been completely restored by Andrew Dipper including a proper baroque neck, veneered and decorative inlaid fingerboard with matching tailpiece, and a baroque bass bar. It retains the original decorative carving on the back button. This violin draws an extremely rich and round sound. It is perfectly balanced throughout the whole instrument. The violin responds immediately with dynamic adjustment, changes to nuance, and general drawing of sound. The aspect of this instrument that is most impressive, is how much it resonates. It is an extremely sonorous instrument.