Joseph Ruddiman Violin Aberdeen c1760/70

Handsome violin by Joseph Ruddiman, Aberdeen c1760/70
 
Full-bodied with flatter arch through bridge area.

Expressive ff holes

Delightful typical Aberdeen style scroll

Darkish Amber varnish, mostly original

Quality replacement neck/neck graft with ebony crown to button

Lovely interesting flame to two-piece maple back with matching ribs

Purfling may have been inserted at a later date

Excellent condition, just minor restorations

Newly set-up with professionally cut bridge, ebony and rosewood fittings, Pro Arte strings

LOB: 353/354mm

Violin reminiscent of Richard Duke.
 
Every now and again we come across a violin that delights and surprises us to play.  This is one of them. A glorious violin to play, easy response, full tone, right up there with Duke.

RUDDIMAN, Joseph. Born 1729 Monquhitter, died 1810 Aberdeen, Scotland UK. Most prolific maker of the Aberdeen School. Probably a pupil of R. Duncan. Prolific output of all types of stringed instruments is similar to that of Perry in Dublin. Active in Aberdeen from 1757. Amati/Stainer model, unpurfled; idisosyncratic head with small volute and extended throat. Later work is slightly more sophisticated and has a Duke or early Forster appearance, with red varnish, flatter arch, and more often purfled.