American Violin by Roelof Weertman Guarneri replica 1971 - Natural

This is a very special violin, that has a (longish) story to it. So here goes..... Roelof Weertman was a Dutch luthier who lived on Cape Cod, made several hundred violins, violas and cellos before his passing in 1991 at age 96. Twelve years ago, I found this instrument in an online listing, being sold by a woman who also lived in Cape Cod. While considering purchasing it, I researched Weertman's name, and among other things, found that his instruments were being discussed on Maestronet Forum. This was because of Weertman's skill in understanding the relation between body arching and acoustics, and incorporating that understanding into his luthiery. On the forum, someone mentioned that they had a copy of a letter written by the Detroit Symphony concertmaster, Gordon Staples, comparing a Weertman violin he owned to a "Halir" (Hellier) Stradivarius, and a Gaudagnini, both of which he had owned for years. Weertman's own son, Willem, chimed in on the forum discussion, and said he had all the records of his father's work, and really appreciated the comments and insights in the thread.

The son was a notable person in his own right. He worked for Chrysler as an engineer, and was on the team that developed the Slant 6 engine. I wrote to him inquiring about this particular violin that I found for sale, and he responded the day I had purchased the violin and brought it home. The violin was constructed after Weertman copied in exacting detail an actual Guarneri del Gesu violin, the "Wieniawski", that he was loaned. This was number 4 in a series of 11 copies. I had asked him about the primitive hand written label on the instrument, dated May 1971. His letter to me is in one of the photos. We looked at his father's handwritten certificates for the two violins he finished in May of 1971.

It turns out that this violin is the one talked about in the above Gordon Staples letter (which he provided me a copy of), comparing it to a Strad and Gaudagnini! It was distinct from the other by its ebony trimmed heel, and its diagonal figuring on the back, as well at the color of the varnish. Gordon Staples apparently swapped this violin with Weertman for another of his newer violins of his own design (not a copy of an Italian master), and this one made its way back to Cape Cod with its maker.

I obtained Weertman's self-published book, "Violin Building My Way", from a Chicago bookseller, and Willem Weertman sent me a load of other materials, including copies of our emails back and forth. All of these are included in the sale of this violin.

I have a great attachment to this violin, but circumstances dictate that it go to a new home. It is a beautiful instrument. As expected, it sounds amazing. The violin has a few dings and varnish scratches, which I've tried to capture as best I can in the photos. It has a heavier varnish. The two piece back is gorgeous figured maple. I added geared tuners, the originals are in the case. As for the case, it is a Musafia Master Series case, which new sell for around $1000. This one has seen use, but still works perfectly, just with some wear around the edges.

My price is very reasonable. Weertman's own ascribed value to the instrument was $6000 in 1971. The buyer would receive the Musafia case and all the support materials.

I hope you found this story interesting. I will say there is a lot more to be learned about this remarkable man and his family. For example, Weertman Island in Antarctica is named for Roelof's father Johannes.