loading
reading
writing
saving
searching
RARE Luthier UMEO SUZUKI "Special No 5" Violin Japan 1961 CERTIFICATE - $2,700 (Battery Park)
QR Code Link to This Post
Authentication: Comes with the original maker's certificate.
Level: Professional.
Signed: U. Suzuki (鈴木梅雄), also stamped with Umeo Suzuki personal hanko seal.
Year made: 1961.
Serial #115 (same as on the certificate).
Materials: top - highest grade tight-grained Ezo Spruce; back/ribs/neck - strongly flamed Maple.
Varnish: hand varnished and artfully shaded ("antiqued") to imitate old master violins of Cremona.
Fittings: top grade Ebony fittings - pegs, tailpiece, chinrest by Conrad Goetz, Germany; bridge - Aubert a Mirecourt, France.
Strings: brand new Thomastik-Infeld Dominant GDA strings and gold-plated Pirastro Obligato E string.
Condition: very good vintage condition - structurally, defect-free; cosmetically, there are minor traces of prior handling (please review the images).
[Price is for violin only. If you need accessories, I can offer a wide selection at a favorable price, with this violin purchase.]
The "Special No. 5" was the pinnacle of Suzuki Violin's craftsmanship during the late 1950s and 1960s. It was the company's most senior ranking model - the highest in the company's prestigious "Special" series, which included five models, from the No. 1 to the No. 5. The No. 5 was made at Suzuki's Custom Shop and was meant to be the instrument for soloist professionals.
This specific violin is signed by Master Luthier Umeo Suzuki and is stamped with his personal hanko seal. Umeo Suzuki is a figure of significant importance in the violin making world of Japan. He is the eldest son of Masakichi Suzuki, the founder of the famed Suzuki Violin Company of Japan. (Of note, Umeo's brother Shinichi is the creator of the world-famous Suzuki method). A talented master builder, Umeo became after the war the company's de-facto chief luthier and in the 1960s was named the company's President. He is the recipient of the Medal of Blue Ribbon and Order of Sacred Treasure. His instruments are praised and are sought after by collectors.
This violin is beautifully resonant. The tone is rich and well balanced across the entire range and is characterized by good separation and clarity. The instrument would reward the skilled player.
The violin features a beautifully flamed two-piece back and a tight-grained Ezo Spruce top ("the Northern Spruce" - a slow growing species from the Spruce family from Japan's northern islands, currently a restricted species). The flaming pattern in the Maple is narrow, horizontal, and regular - the highest grade sought after by violin makers. Inspired by the looks of Cremona school violins, the instrument is artfully shaded and hand-varnished.
The violin is in very good vintage condition. There are no cracks, repairs, or other structural defects. It is in good condition cosmetically. Outfitted with high grade fittings from Conrad Goetz and equipped with brand new Dominant GDA strings and a gold-plated Pirastro Obligato E string.
V143