James Strawford 4/4 English Violin 1992

Product Information

This James Strawford violin, crafted in Grimsby in 1992, showcases the fine craftsmanship of this Lincolnshire violin maker. The instrument features carefully selected European tonewoods, resulting in a violin with a warm, full-bodied sound and excellent projection. Ideal for advanced players, this violin is well-suited for soloists and orchestral musicians seeking a responsive and expressive instrument.

James Strawford – Violin Maker

James Strawford was a violin maker based in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, active during the late 20th century. His instruments are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional tonal qualities. Strawford's work remains a testament to the rich tradition of British lutherie, offering musicians instruments that are both visually and acoustically outstanding.

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.

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.