Explore Our Antique Violins, Violas & Cellos Collection

0

Van Arsdale del Gesù Model Violin – 2020

$19 500.00
In stock
Product Details

Modeled after the “Joachim” 1737 Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù

This exceptional handcrafted violin by master luthier Peter Van Arsdale is modeled after the legendary “Joachim” 1737 Guarneri del Gesù, one of history’s most celebrated concert instruments. Completed in Berkeley, California, in 2020, it combines meticulous craftsmanship with outstanding tonal qualities.

Built from over 300-year-old reclaimed Lake Superior tonewood, the violin features a beautiful one-piece highly flamed maple back and a two-piece narrow- to medium-grain spruce top. The rich hand-rubbed red oil varnish with warm golden undertones highlights the elegance of the wood while giving the instrument a classic Cremonese appearance.

The violin produces a full, rich, resonant voice with exceptional balance and clarity across all four strings. Professionally set up and ready for performance, it features an ebony fingerboard with quality hardwood fittings and is suitable for the advanced student, serious amateur, or professional musician.

Peter Van Arsdale’s instruments have been praised by leading performers. His work has been endorsed by Alexander Barantschik, Concertmaster of the San Francisco Symphony, and violinist John Sherba of the Kronos Quartet. His website also features these endorsements and describes instruments built from reclaimed Lake Superior wood.

Features

  • Modeled after the “Joachim” 1737 Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù
  • Made by Peter Van Arsdale, Berkeley, California (2020)
  • One-piece highly flamed maple back
  • Two-piece narrow- to medium-grain spruce top
  • Reclaimed Lake Superior tonewood, over 300 years old
  • Rich red oil varnish with golden undertones
  • Full, rich, balanced tone with excellent projection
  • Ebony fingerboard and quality hardwood fittings
  • Professionally set up and ready to play
  • Certificate of Authenticity by Van Arsdale Violins

Included

  • Free quality violin case (approximately $350 value)
  • Free insured shipping within the U.S.
  • 30-day trial period with full refund
  • Buyer pays return shipping and insurance

Suggested Asking Price

$19500

Share this product with your friends
Van Arsdale del Gesù Model Violin – 2020
Your Questions Answered

Frequently Ask Questions

Have questions about Van Arsdale Violins? Explore answers to frequently asked questions about instrument sales, repairs, and custom orders. Our FAQs cover everything from pricing and materials to shipping and care, helping you make informed decisions about your perfect Main Keyword instrument.

  • Why is Van Arsdale Violins so popular?

    At Van Arsdale Violins, our reputation is built on providing the highest quality instruments and restoration services to musicians across the country. One major reason for our popularity is our carefully curated selection of antique violins for sale. We source historic instruments with exceptional tonal qualities, making us the premier destination for performers seeking antique violins for sale. Whether you are a professional symphonic player or a dedicated collector, finding the perfect antique violins for sale is easy through our nationwide online store, which proudly serves California and major US cities. We ensure that every one of our antique violins for sale is meticulously restored to its optimal playing condition. This dedication to craftsmanship means our antique violins for sale offer unparalleled richness and projection, allowing musicians to express their artistry fully. By blending traditional European techniques with modern convenience, we have become the trusted choice for exquisite stringed instruments.

  • Where can I find the best antique violins for sale in California and major US cities?

    If you are searching for the finest historical stringed instruments, our premier workshop offers an exceptional online catalog accessible nationwide. We specialize in sourcing, certifying, and restoring classic instruments to meet the highest performance standards. Our collection features rare pieces that deliver the vibrant, complex tones sought after by professional orchestral players and serious collectors alike. With our convenient, secure nationwide shipping, musicians across the country can easily acquire world-class instruments. We handle every step of the process with absolute care, providing detailed documentation and setup services to ensure your new acquisition arrives ready to play beautifully.

  • How does using reclaimed wood affect the sound and quality of a custom violin?

    Using historic, reclaimed wood is one of our signature practices that set our custom instruments apart. We source premium wood, such as submerged timber from Lake Superior that is up to 150 years old. Over decades underwater, the natural starches and sugars wash out of the wood cells, leaving a highly porous, stable, and lightweight structure. When we craft a violin, viola, or cello from this material, the instrument exhibits incredible resonance, warmth, and projection from its very first note. This innovative approach allows us to recreate the tonal depth typically found only in centuries-old antique masterpieces.

  • What is involved in the professional restoration of a vintage cello or viola?

    Professional restoration is a delicate, holistic process that requires both historical knowledge and precise craftsmanship. When restoring vintage cellos, violas, or violins, we carefully analyze the instrument's structural integrity, varnish condition, and tonal balance. Our process involves using reversible, traditional hide glues and centuries-old European techniques to repair cracks, correct neck angles, and patch worn wood. We focus on preserving as much of the original material and varnish as possible. By meticulously adjusting the soundpost, bridge, and bass bar, we revitalize the instrument's voice, ensuring it delivers exceptional projection and plays comfortably for decades to come.

  • Can I purchase instruments and bows online if I am located outside of California?

    Absolutely. While our physical workshop is nestled in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, we have designed our e-commerce platform to serve passionate musicians nationwide. We offer secure, fully insured shipping for all of our fine violins, violas, cellos, and bows. Each instrument is carefully packed in protective, climate-controlled packaging to guarantee it arrives in pristine playing condition. We also provide virtual consultations and detailed sound demonstrations to help you choose the perfect instrument from our collection, giving you complete confidence in your purchase no matter where you are located in the United States.

  • Do you offer custom instrument making for professional musicians?

    Yes, custom instrument making is at the core of what we do. Led by Peter Van Arsdale, our workshop collaborates closely with musicians to craft bespoke violins, violas, and cellos tailored to their specific tonal preferences and ergonomic needs. We combine time-honored acoustic principles with carefully selected materials to produce instruments with outstanding depth, response, and color. Renowned performers, including members of prestigious quartets, trust our masterfully crafted instruments for their daily work and stage performances. We welcome the opportunity to work with you to bring your ideal sound and aesthetic vision to life.

Store