Alfred Moritz Bird's Eye Maple Violin c.1885

Product Information

Crafted by Alfred Moritz in Dresden, Germany, this violin is built after a Nicolo Amati model, known for its rich tonal depth and refined elegance. The bird’s eye maple used for the neck, ribs, and back adds a unique and striking visual appeal. Fitted with Pirastro Tonica strings, it offers a clear, responsive tone ideal for soloists and advanced orchestral players. This full-sized 4/4 violin is complete with ebony fittings, ensuring both durability and a refined aesthetic, making it the perfect instrument for musicians seeking quality and craftsmanship.

Birdseye Maple: A Rare and Distinctive Tonewood

This vintage violin is crafted from birdseye maple, a rare and highly sought-after tonewood known for its striking appearance and exceptional acoustic properties. Unlike standard maple, birdseye maple features a unique pattern of small, swirling grain formations that resemble tiny eyes scattered across the wood. This natural phenomenon occurs unpredictably, making each piece truly one of a kind.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, birdseye maple contributes to the violin’s tonal character. It shares the strength and density of traditional maple, ensuring excellent resonance and projection while adding a touch of warmth to the sound. The distinctive grain structure can also enhance the instrument’s responsiveness, allowing for a more expressive and nuanced performance.

Due to its rarity, birdseye maple is seldom used in violin making, making this instrument a special find for musicians and collectors alike. Its combination of visual beauty, tonal excellence, and historical charm makes it a truly remarkable violin.

Alfred Moritz – Violin Maker

Alfred Moritz was a distinguished violin maker based in Dresden, Germany, active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He led a prominent workshop from approximately 1880 to 1900, producing high-quality instruments renowned for their craftsmanship and tonal excellence. Many of his violins were modeled after esteemed Italian designs, such as those by Niccolò Amati and Antonio Stradivari, reflecting a deep appreciation for classical lutherie traditions.

Moritz's instruments often featured exquisite materials, including birdseye maple for the back, ribs, and neck, and evenly grained spruce for the top, contributing to both their visual appeal and acoustic properties. His violins remain sought after by musicians and collectors for their refined craftsmanship, warm tonal character, and historical significance.

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 It Take to Arrive?

In Stock: This is a vintage violin, and we take great care in ensuring it is in excellent condition before dispatch. Your instrument will be inspected and prepared for shipping within 2 working days. If any delays are expected, we will contact you as soon as possible.

Postage Options

Once your violin 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.

• International Delivery: We are happy to arrange international shipping. 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: Regularly check the tension of the bow and keep it properly tightened when not in use. Always re-hair the bow when necessary to maintain smooth performance.

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.

FAQ