Full Description
View Full Description
History
The “Kiesewetter” was crafted by the legendary Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari, and stands as a testament to his legacy. Produced during his "Golden Period" (1700-1725) at his workshop in Cremona, the Kiesewetter 1723 showcases his signature handiwork. It utilises high-quality tonewoods, meticulous arching, and a unique varnish imparting warmth and resonance. Stradivari's remarkable instruments owe their unparalleled sound quality to the combination these features and the his understanding of acoustics and geometry.
Celebrated German violinist Christoph Gottfried Kiesewetter (1777-1827) was among the first owners of the instrument which bears his name. Initially listed by Hill's of London as dating from 1731, further investigation identified the violin as originating from 1723: this is primarily due to the distinct maple found in several Stradivari violins from 1722-23.
After Kiesewetter, the instrument passed on to Sir Francis Goldschmidt, then to his daughter, then on to others. It most recently came into the hands of Clement Arrison in 1986. In partnership with the Stradivari Society of Chicago, Arrison and his wife Karen have loaned the violin to several musicians including Maxim Vengerov, Philip Quint, and Grammy Award-winning violinist Augustin Hadelich. This violin famously narrowly escaped being lost forever when it was left in a New York City taxi while in Quint's care, but was fortunately recovered.
Handmade with premium materials
The Kiesewetter 1723 Replica Stradivarius Violin is a testament to the art of instrument-making. Each violin is painstakingly handcrafted with great attention to detail, ensuring everything is of the highest quality . The finest tonewoods are carefully selected and aged, with spruce used for the top and flamed maple for the back and sides. This creates an instrument that not only looks exquisite, but produces an exceptional sound.
Spruce is lightweight yet strong, allowing it to vibrate freely and transmit sound efficiently. Its narrow grain offers consistent density, resulting in a uniform response across the violin's range. Additionally, the grain pattern enhances spruce's rigidity and contributes to projection. Flamed maple is used for the back and sides thanks to its beautiful finish and excellent tonal qualities. Its density and strength aid in producing a focused and clear sound with an even tone in all registers.
Quality fittings
This instrument's ebony fingerboard is dense naturally smooth yet dense, making it ideal for withstanding the constant pressure of playing. It provides excellent stability and resilience, ensuring longevity without sacrificing comfort. Rosewood tuning pegs are strong and lightweight, allowing for smooth and precise string adjustment. The pegs and tailpiece are adorned with a Parisian eye to elevate the outfit.
Included accessories
The Kiesewetter comes with a BAM Luthier Violin case, designed to provide the best protection for your instrument. It's constructed with high-density polyurethane foam, offering excellent shock absorption and insulation and safeguarding the violin from damage or temperature fluctuations. A water-resistant Cordura exterior helps your violin to remain dry in wet weather.
A Musing C4 bow also accompanies the Kiesewetter 1723 Replica. Renowned for its light weight and easy response, you can use it effortlessly. The Musing C4 delivers the sound and quality of a traditional wooden bow while offering the durability and reliability of moden technology. Its 3D-woven low resin carbon fibre provides exceptional strength and stability, ensuring consistent performance. Excellent balance and response allow for nuanced articulation and precise control.
Specifications
Body and bridge
- Body type: Copy of the “Kiesewetter” Stradivari violin 1723
- Top: Narrow-grained spruce
- Back: One piece, highly-figured flamed maple
- Side and ribs: Flamed maple
- Bridge: Fitted French bridge by Chevalets Despiau (A Grade)
- Finish: Traditional hand-applied spirit varnish
- Back length: 356 mm
Neck and fingerboard
- Neck: Figured maple
- Fingerboard: Ebony
Hardware
- Tuning pegs: Rosewood; Swiss model with Parisian eye
- Tailpiece: Rosewood; French model with Parisian eye
- Top nut: Ebony
- Chinrest: Rosewood; Guarneri model