Turning to the great master Giuseppe Guarneri “del Gesu,” award-winning German maker Andreas Haensel has crafted yet another fine violin, this time based on the Plowden Giuseppe Guarneri “del Gesu” of 1735. This instrument’s perfectly balanced tone allows player to feel equally at home anywhere on the fingerboard. Surprisingly clear yet subtle, this example is well suited for the chamber musician.

This violin is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity by Haensel.

Labelled:

The Plowden
Andreas Haensel     Guarneri Del Gesu
Geigenbaumeister       1735
Kleinsendelbach 2022

Back Length: 351mm
Upper Bout: 165mm
Center Bout: 112mm
Lower Bout: 202mm

The back is of one piece of maple cut on the quarter of narrow width flaming descending from the left to right. The top is of two pieces of spruce cut on the quarter of narrow width grain widening slightly at the flanks. The ribs and scroll are of similar maple. The varnish is red-orange over a golden ground.

Gold and Silver Medal Winner
Fifth International Violin-Making Competition, Pisogne, Italy
With over 100 top luthiers competing in this major juried event, Andreas Haensel's instruments were awarded the top two prizes in 2014. Coming on the heels of awards in 2010 and 2013, the world's top luthiers have taken note of Andreas Haensel.

Works of Art, From the Hands of a Passionate Craftsman
Upon examination of these violins, great attention to detail and a high level of technical mastery is quickly apparent. But it is in the playing that the real value of these violins emerges. Regardless of pattern, all violins have a quality that makes them easy to play, delighting the hand and ear. Strong, generous tone, with layers of complexity, is the first quality that one notices. Apply more and more bow weight, and the tone simply opens out, with great projection, yet with no overbearing qualities or harshness. Spend even more time playing, and a myriad of intangibles reveal themselves. Response is immediate, whether bowing with strong détaché or flautando.