Goulding & Co London 4/4 Violin - ca 1800

Product Information

This Goulding & Co violin (ca. 1800) from London offers a rich, warm tone and an intriguing history, marked by two historical repair notes. One note from W. J. Bisset (Greenock, 1895) and another from Boyd (Dundee, 1844) indicate important repairs, likely involving a replaced rib and possibly a non-original neck. Despite these repairs, the violin remains in fantastic condition, with no visible cracks and old repairs that suggest careful work. The treble C-bout wear mark highlights its frequent use, and its low bridge contributes to its excellent playability.

With active string length of 324mm, this violin is especially suitable for musicians of slightly shorter stature or female musicians due to its approachability. Its combination of historical significance, playability, and unique charm makes it a fantastic choice for those seeking a piece of British violin making history.

Length of back 353mm, Bridge position at 194mm, Neck length is 128, resulting in a working string length of 324mm
Apart from a few superficial scratches and chips to the scroll, and a historical bowing wear mark, this instrument is in great condition with no damage or visible repairs whatsoever. It is presumed the repair notes refer to replacement parts.

Goulding & Co. – Violin Maker

Goulding & Co. was a prominent English firm specializing in the sale, publication, and manufacturing of musical instruments during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Established by George Goulding around 1786 in London, the company played a significant role in the musical landscape of the time.

Goulding & Co. imported instruments from French and Saxon makers and collaborated with esteemed English craftsmen such as Thomas Kennedy and James Brown. Their offerings included a diverse range of musical instruments and accessories, catering to both amateur and professional musicians.

The firm's violins, often branded with "Goulding & Co. London" beneath the back button, are recognized for their craftsmanship and historical significance. An example from circa 1800 features a one-piece maple back with medium curl, a two-piece spruce front of medium-fine grain, and a light amber-brown varnish over a yellow ground.

Over time, Goulding & Co. underwent several name changes, reflecting its evolving partnerships and business focus. In 1798, the firm became Goulding, Phipps, and D'Almaine, and later Goulding, D'Almaine & Co.

Today, instruments bearing the Goulding & Co. brand are valued by collectors and musicians for their historical importance and the quality craftsmanship characteristic of early 19th-century English violin making.

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.