A violin by Antoni Ruschil, London 2024

“The Argyle, 2024” is the newest, handcrafted original model violin from the Ruschil workshop. A development on previous designs, it incorporates physical and tonal elements of Carlo Tononi, especially the arching and soundholes. Although an original, the workshop model also is influenced by Nicolo Amati, Andrea Guarneri, Eugenio Degani & Ansaldo Poggi.

The back is carved from Bosnian maple, one-piece and deeply flamed, the ribs and scroll from the same tree. The highly arched front is handcrafted from aged North Italian spruce from Val di Fiemme. The varnish is particularly special; a 51 year old vintage oil varnish with nothing but the natural colour from the resin. There is just one, very fine coat of colour varnish applied to the wood, as traditional, elegant and simple as possible, adding to its very classical look.

Tonally the violin is clear, focused and bright with plenty of volume. It has a balanced and a brilliant core across the strings.

Full details at ruschil.com/

Certification: Certified by Ruschil London