$5,223.75
Core Select CS5500 "Ole Bull" Model Violin
Core Select CS5500 "Ole Bull"
The 1744 “Ole Bull” was made in Guarneri’s final year and is perhaps his last creation. The refined and stately tonal qualities are a surprising contrast to the wild and carefree workmanship, a juxtaposition for which Guarneri is beloved. The original was played famously by the 19th century Norwegian violinist Ole Bull, a virtuoso across Europe and contemporary of Paganini, Schumann, and Liszt.
This Core Select model is inspired by the great artistry of both Guarneri and Bull, and with lightning-quick response helps the modern player tackle the most challenging and diverse repertoire. Naturally air-dried for at least 50 years, the Italian spruce and Bosnian maple are crafted with the utmost care in the archings to bring to life an exuberant and pliable voice. Maker adjusted with Aubert DeLuxe bridge, boxwood fittings, and Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold strings.
Artisanal. Small-batch. Boutique.
Usually, such adjectives are associated with premium prices in the American market. However, these traits can still be found in competitively priced instruments from the Core Select Series.
Over the last 100 years, in every area where there has been a mass production of stringed instruments, a few master makers have broken away from the "factory group" and established themselves in small private workshops. Think of Germans such as Roman Teller, Rudolf Buchner, Bruno Paulus, and a few others.
Now, this has happened in China. While the factories make some very nice "step-up" instruments, a few makers who have nothing to do with the large manufacturers have established small workshops where these highly trained masters make very small quantities of artist-level instruments.
The Core Select master makers have often trained in Europe or America, and many have earned awards and medals in various global competitions. Their skill and talent are world-class. Their assistants learn the finer aspects of the craft by working alongside the master over years and years. Like anything made by hand, it's not a quick process, and to do it well takes long-term commitment and patience.