'John McArthur' no20 Caroline Campbell Scottish 4/4 Violin
A beautifully handcrafted violin, “The John McArthur” by Caroline Campbell, made from Bosnian maple and Alpine spruce. With a clear, balanced tone and quick response, it is an excellent choice for advanced players, orchestral musicians, and soloists. A rare opportunity to own a violin from this now-retired maker.
A beautifully handcrafted violin, “The John McArthur” by Caroline Campbell, made from Bosnian maple and Alpine spruce. With a clear, balanced tone and quick response, it is an excellent choice for advanced players, orchestral musicians, and soloists. A rare opportunity to own a violin from this now-retired maker.
A beautifully handcrafted violin, “The John McArthur” by Caroline Campbell, made from Bosnian maple and Alpine spruce. With a clear, balanced tone and quick response, it is an excellent choice for advanced players, orchestral musicians, and soloists. A rare opportunity to own a violin from this now-retired maker.
Product Information
The Caroline Campbell Violin No.20, crafted in 2015, named “The John McArthur”, is a stunning example of this esteemed maker’s work, crafted with Bosnian flamed maple for the back, ribs, and neck, paired with Alpine spruce for the top. With a body length of 355mm, a bridge position of 195mm, and a neck length of 130mm, it offers an active string length of 326mm, ensuring exceptional playability.
This violin produces a resonant, full-bodied sound that is immediately present, offering both clarity and warmth. The varnish is a golden amber hue, accentuating the natural beauty of the wood. It retains the original maker’s setup, which has been fully checked in-house. Designed for demanding musicians, this instrument would be well-suited to chamber ensembles, orchestral leaders, and soloists.
Caroline Campbell’s violins are truly unique, with no two models made the same way. “The John McArthur” is a rare chance to own a violin from one of Fife’s most distinctive contemporary makers, whose retirement makes her work increasingly sought after.
Violin Makers Biography
Caroline Campbell (Scottish, Contemporary)
Caroline Campbell is a skilled Scottish violin maker known for her exceptional craftsmanship. Her violins are celebrated for their rich, warm tone and excellent projection. While Campbell sometimes carves traditional scrolls, her work is particularly distinguished by her creative approach to carving heads, often featuring unique character-driven designs. Each instrument reflects her attention to detail and artistic vision, offering musicians both aesthetic beauty and superb sound quality. Despite her recent retirement, Campbell’s violins remain highly regarded by collectors and musicians alike.
Professional Set-Up
At Bridge Street Violins, we offer a comprehensive professional setup that goes above and beyond the basic factory setup provided by most other shops. Each violin is carefully adjusted by our expert luthier to ensure optimal sound and playability. Depending on the instrument, this setup may include:
Peg adjustment
Fingerboard resurfacing (if necessary)
Top nut adjustment
Sound post and bridge fitting
String height adjustments
Tailored settings for enhanced playing comfort
This service ensures your violin is fully prepared for high-quality performance, tailored to your individual needs. It’s a level of care that sets us apart from other retailers who typically offer a basic factory setup.
How Long Will My Order Take to Arrive?
We’re a small, family-run workshop with a big focus on quality. For all the details on our delivery times, shipping options and how we’re working to reduce our carbon footprint, see our Delivery Information page.
Postage Options
Once your cello has been set up to perfection, we offer the following delivery options:
Free Local Collection: You are welcome to collect your instrument free of charge from our workshop near Lincoln.
UK Delivery: We’ll dispatch your violin anywhere in the UK, with a postage charge applied at checkout.
EU Delivery: We are happy to arrange shipping within the EU, a postage charge will be applied at the checkout.
International Delivery: Worldwide shipping is available with some exceptions. Please get in touch for an individual quote.
Violin Care Tips
To keep your violin in great condition and ensure it maintains its best sound, we recommend the following care tips:
Storage: Always store your violin in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity, as these can affect the wood.
Cleaning: Clean your violin regularly with a soft cloth to remove dust and rosin build-up. Be careful not to touch the varnish with your fingers.
String Care: Check your strings for wear and replace them when necessary. Avoid over-tightening the strings, as this can cause unnecessary stress on the instrument.
Bow Maintenance: Loosen the bow hair after playing and wipe the stick with a dry, soft cloth to remove rosin dust, preventing build-up and protecting the finish.
Customer Support
If you have any questions or need assistance at any point during your purchase or after receiving your violin, our team is here to help. Whether you have inquiries about delivery, setup, or care, feel free to contact us, and we'll be happy to assist.
