Length of back 35.4cm, stop 132/193mm The Betts family name came to prominence in the violin making world thanks to the work of John Betts, born in Stamford in 1752. In 2011, John Waddle was in charge of the back, Raymond Shryer, who has his violin shop in Canada, was in charge of the top, Gregg Alf, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, was in charge of the rib structure, and Sam Zygmuntowicz, whose violin shop is in Brooklyn, New York, was in charge of the neck and scroll. (351 mm) with double case (2) If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account. The violin is an absolutely stunning Nicol Amati copy. By the time this fine antique violin was crafted in approximately 1820, John Betts was already able to look back on an impressive oeuvre. Fax: +1 212 202 4660, Tarisio London Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.200155591/. John Betts cello, London circa 1810 available at Johnson String Instrument, New England's largest and most complete violin shop. He died in 1823, leaving the business to his younger brother Arthur, who learned the craft from him. John Betts school / circle: fine antique English violin circa 1820, Renting or leasing a violin from Corilon violins. It is preserved in fine original condition except for the pegs and bridge. He moved to London at the age of 12 to apprentice with Richard Duke. , circa 1790Violin, John Betts The whole event was documented by NHK TV of Japan. Below, Chris Germain (shown on the left) is the director of the workshop and has a violin shop in Philadelphia, PA.. John Montgomery takes care of the instruments in the Library of Congress, and has a violin shop in Raleigh, North Carolina. 43883.00. By the time this fine antique violin was crafted in approximately 1820, John Betts was already able to look back on an impressive oeuvre. Email: It is of a good Stradivarian model with quite rudimentary antiquing to the varnish. Apprenticed to Richard Duke in 1765, subsequently buying the business from Dukes daughter Anne. Submit button. It was he who established the great Betts workshop in Holborn's Royal Exchange around 1782. John Betts (1752-1823) In 1765, around the age of 13, John Betts made the 160 kilometer journey to London from his hometown of Stamford. Violin by Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, "Betts". Here is a picture of the finished copy. He became known as an expert dealer and businessman, and was appointed Official Valuer of violins to the Customs Office. Chris Germain is third from the left in the front row. including this fine violin, Betts' greatest importance was as an expert and entrepreneur, responsible for making London a major centre of violin making activity in the 19th century. The violin is in stunning original condition with no cracks. Articles, - Composite, newer top (19th century) original back and sides. London, c.1785. The violin is in exceptional original condition. London Using our new process of reverse engineering, and choosing wood carefully, we can make consistently good sounding violins that are comparable to instruments made in the past and not accessible to the public. Steve Sirr and John Waddle have been CT scanning violins, violas, and cellos since 1989. John Betts cello, London circa 1810 First Name (*) Last Name (*) In 1765 he moved to London to apprentice with Richard Duke and after seven years he became shop foreman, eventually buying the business from Duke's daughter. Users may need to contact The Strad for any re-use of the articles. The following images are of violin known as the Betts, by Antonio Stradivari, made in 1704. Leaders of the group are chosen to be in charge of different parts of the project each year. Can you tell which is which? He became known as an expert dealer and businessman, and was appointed Official Valuer of violins to the Customs Office. 2023 Fine Fretted String Instruments. His teacher had been none other than the famous violinist, Giovanni Battista Viotti, who played a 1709 golden period Stradivari violin, so Arthur knew what he was doing. Brobst Violin Shop 5584 General Washington Dr Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 256-0566. brobstviolinshop@gmail . London, Violin - photograph | 19 photographs : color | Photograph (Form). Gregg Alf is shown here carving the final shape of the blocks in the rib structure of the copy. Betts, No. Once we have obtained quality CT scans of a violin, we can analyze its physical properties, density, mass, linear measurements, volumes, etc. All rights reserved. Next to him is Gregg Alf. It bears its original label. Article. Cookie Policy John Betts. Brompton's is delighted to offer complimentary Violin appraisals for insurance, probate or sale purposes. Read Less. Flagship Location 7711 Eastern Avenue Takoma Park, MD 20912 New Gaithersburg Rental Location 830 Muddy Branch Road Gaithersburg, MD 20878 A tradition of excellence since 1996 Call us for more information (301) 652-7070 1 (800) 317-9452 Hours Tues - Fri. Flagship Location: 10:00am - 6:00pm . It's questionable how many violins John Betts himself made, but he employed an illustrious group of makers such as Tobin, Vincenzo and Joseph Panormo, both Bernard Simon Fendts and John Furber, along with other less well known names. John Betts. The tone is moderately powerful, and very sweet and mellow. The instrument is the work of one of his students or another luthier who upheld the Betts tradition, making it a worthy representative of early 19thcentury English violin making, and its interesting, stylish aesthetic is just as compelling as its exceptionally beautiful sound. At this stage, the assessment is free and without obligation. He was born in 1752 in Stamford and died in 1823 in London. John Betts came from Stamford, Lincolnshire, and came to London in 1765 to apprentice with Richard Duke, rising to become the shop foreman after seven years, and eventually buying the business from Dukes daughter, reforming the company under his own name by 1781. It will be varnished in June of 2012. One of the most important and influential violin makers in England in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, John Betts was born in Stamford, Lincolnshire, in 1752. The height of the two f-holes varies, which might be explained by a technique that Stradivari used. In the last year, they spent several months painstakingly putting back together my severely damaged 1790 John Betts cello. You already have a Tarisio account. The next picture shows Stradivari's beautiful arching being re-created using our new process. London The workmanship is solid and sober, without being refined and artistic like the work of Betts' master. John Montgomery, Sam Zygmuntowicz, Raymond Shryer also did some needed tonal adjustments on it. Fax: +44 (0) 20 7900 3354, Tarisio Berlin In turn his workshop influenced the leading makers of the day to look towards increasingly detailed copying of Cremonese masterpieces, assisted to a great extent by his relationship with Vincenzo Panormo, an Italian maker working in London. The Betts Stradivarius violin was the focus of the workshop. photograph | 35 photographs : color | Photograph (Form). Betts himself became Official Valuer of violins to the Customs office. The two of them are shown in the workshop discussing some aspect of the project. His own workmanship was replaced by the efforts of his many employees after about 1790 and these represented the cream of the London profession, including John Carter, Joseph and Henry Lockey Hill, Richard Tobin and the Fendts. Using a carefully selected matching top, back, neck and scroll carved by Steve Rossow on his CNC machine directly from computer files generated from CT scans of "the Betts" violin, the Oberlin Betts copy was completed by the class as a group project to the point of being playable but without varnish. Once we have obtained CT scans of a violin and have chosen wood that matches the wood of the original, Steve Rossow can carve duplicate parts digitally, using his CNC machine. It is of the Amati model, plain wood, golden-brown varnish, with rather wide sound-holes. John Betts John Willis Betts, B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Ed. They kept the company name but changed the labels to Arthur and John Betts. Betts instruments tend to exhibit very high standards of craftsmanship and tone. Web.. https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.200155591/. Photograph (Form). In June of 2011, Steve Rossow, Steve Sirr, and John Waddle went to Oberlin, Ohio, to participate in the Oberlin violin makers workshop. John (I) Betts. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Article. In June of 2011, Steve Rossow, Steve Sirr, and John Waddle went to Oberlin, Ohio, to participate in the Oberlin violin makers workshop. Under the sole ownership of Arthur, the workshop became incredibly skilled at imitating the work of the great masters and participated in some of the ethically short-sighted restoration practices that went on during the Victorian era. Arthur died in 1847, leaving the shop to his two sons, Arthur II and John II. If you currently own a John Betts Violin, click the button below to receive a free valuation: Violin Valuation. They serve to improve service and provide a more personalised experience. London, Sign up to receive Carteggio features directly. Ingles & Hayday would like to send you information about our events and services, by post, telephone and email. Article. His shop employed many of the best contemporary makers, including Joseph and Lockey Hill, and later Vincenzo Panormo and Bernard Simon Fendt. The 1704 Betts violin is named after John Betts, a violinmaker in London who bought the violin in excellent condition for one guinea in 1820. Fine Fretted String Instruments2345 Winchester Blvd. They liaised with my insurers and started work within days . A deal was made and the instrument changed hands for the sum of only one guinea. Here is a picture of the 2011 Oberlin Workshop participants. Below, on the left is a photo of the top of the Betts, compared with a CT scan of the top, and aphoto of our new digitally carved copy of the front of the Betts. John Betts (1755-1823) was born in Lincolnshire. Article. To be able to use Corilon violins in full range, we recommend activating Javascript in your browser. , circa 1780Cello. The luminous golden-brown varnish is so transparent that even the most nuanced details of the tightly flamed maple used for the back can be seen, and the blackened edges of the small and charmingly shaped scroll round out this violin; it has been kept in very good condition and has undergone only minor repairs that are fitting for an instrument of its advanced age. This violin was, with the "Castelbarco" cello of 1697, once a part of the quartet of Stradivaris owned by Count Cesare Castelbarco of Milan. He studied violin making under Richard Duke. Photograph (Form). This instrument is now in my possession, and in excellent condition, having been recently repaired by Mr. J. W. Owen of Leeds. The violin in the photo above has been sold. The Betts Stradivarius violin was the focus of the workshop. Tarisio 2023, The Muntz, Bower, Lam, an exceptional violin bow by Franois Xavier Tourte. (1775 - 1847) Younger brother of John Betts, Arthur Betts was a good violinist and had lessons from Viotti himself. Next to that, to the right is a photo of our digitally carved copy of the back of Betts. Web.. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, . He came to London to work for Richard Duke in Holborn in 1765. In 1781 he was established independently in Holborn, moving to Royal Exchange in 1782. Most work is branded Betts, Royal Exchange on the upper back. Directions. Article. It's questionable how many violins Betts himself made, but he employed an illustrious group of makers such as Tobin, Vincenzo and Joseph Panormo, both Bernard Simon Fendts and John Furber, along with other less well known names. After the death of Betts' son, the violin was sold to WE Hill, and eventually to Whittall's, before ending up at the Library of Congress, where it is displayed in the performing arts reading room. As apprentice to the renowned maker Richard Duke, John Betts (1752-1823) developed into one of England's most respected violin dealers and experts in the 18th and early 19th centuries. He came to London to work for Richard Duke in Holborn in 1765. . We hold two auctions a year at Sothebys in London, generally in March and October. Brompton's is delighted to offer complimentary Violin appraisals for insurance, probate or sale purposes. John Edward Betts (also known as John Betts I, 1755-1823) was an English luthier, a crafter of stringed instruments such as violins, cellos, guitars and harps. Click the button below and we'll email you a link to generate your Tarisio password. John Betts came from Stamford, Lincolnshire, and came to London in 1765 to apprentice with Richard Duke, rising to become the shop foreman after seven years, and eventually buying the business from Duke's daughter, reforming the company under his own name by 1781. . He most often worked from the Amati model. Betts was one of the first in this country to do extensive business in Italian instruments, and a large number of fine violins found their way into this country in his time. A CNC machine is a precision carving machine. Here is a picture of John Waddle playing the Betts. Oxford, OX1 4DH Talk to the Brompton's Team +44 (0)207 580 9550 . United Kingdom, Email: info.london@tarisio.com 1871, Violin by Giuseppe Guarneri, Cremona, ca. Betts was very careful in selecting and preparing his wood, and his craftsmanship is equally precise. It is now a permanent part of the collection of instruments in the Library of Congress Music Division in Washington DC. This violin from about 1790 is stamped on the back 'Betts / Royal . Established 1982 Tel: 020 7249 9398 . Berlin, 10719 Call us on:0207 175 1644 Betts was a talented maker himself and also employed some of the most talented English makers of the period, including . Hill and Sons). After many years working for Duke, Betts became the foreman of his workshop and eventually took over the business. , 1803Viola, John Betts In about 1820, an individual entered Betts' shop at the Royal Exchange in London and offered the violin in its pristine state. Betts was a violinist, teacher, and violin dealer. Suite B Campbell, CA 95008 (408) 879-9930 . 1786 Tel: +49 30 9404 5443, Terms of Use Lob 352mm. 1790 John Betts (1752 - 1823) was apprenticed to Richard Duke in 1765 before becoming established independently in 1781 in Holborn, then the Royal Exchange. The front is two pieces of straight grained spruce and the varnish is a beautiful reddish-brown typical of the best English instruments of the period. John Betts cello, London circa 1810 John Betts cello, London circa 1810 First Name (*) Last Name (*) My Phone. John Dodd and Thomas Tubbs were among the shop's best suppliers of bows. The words "Jo. This website uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best user experience. John Betts London. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. Fine Fretted String Instruments 2345 Winchester Blvd. The violin was made in 1704, and retains what is believed to be its original untouched label. The oevure of John Betts began with his training under Richard Duke, one of the most highly esteemed English luthiers of the 18thcentury who passed his craft along to only three students: his son Richard Duke Jr., John Betts, and Betts nephew Edward Betts, who later worked at his uncles workshop; together they carried on Dukes great artisanal legacy within their own family tradition. Violin - 2 North Piazza, Londini," are also written across the back on the inside, near the top, and an inscription, which is not decipherable, is written across the belly near the left sound- hole. Here are two pictures of the finished violin next to the Betts. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. John Betts, Violin, c.1790, London. Photography by Ellen Broughton. Here is a vioiin being scanned. I wrote an article, in collaboration with Steve Sirr, and Steve Rossow, on the Betts, which is available in the May 2010 issue of "the Strad" Magazine, published in London. Brompton's reference library, in association with Claudio Amighetti, provides you with the price of a Violin by John Betts from Brompton's March 2012 auction results. This area corresponds with the dimensions of the original fingerboard giving a clue to the range of notes that a musician could play. He did not make many instruments himself, but employed excellent workmen, such as the Panormos, John Carter, Edward Betts, Bernhard Fendt, &c. The work is excellent, but poor instruments were occasionally sold by him, bearing his label. Betts hired many English luthiers that when on to achieve great success, including members of the Hill family (W.E. He famously bought the 'Betts' Stradivari violin for the sum of one guinea from a naive customer around 1820. Next to that is a photo of the new copy. There was problem sending your activation email, please contact us. Betts instruments tend to exhibit very high standards of craftsmanship . The "Betts" is among the most legendary violins from Stradivari's workshop. The "Ward" acquired its name from J. 1730, "Kreisler", Violin by Giuseppe Guaneri, Cremona, ca. Please login to continue. 86-87 Wimpole Street Professional violin, to quote a veteran Gypsy style player. After having been painstakingly set up and made ready to play by the expert luthiers at our workshop, our professional violinist played it and was delighted by the rich timbre, radiance and maturity of its powerful warm voice and in recording the audio samples for this violin, he was able to bring the distinctive character of its voice to life. Using another set of wood, also carefully selected, John, Steve Sirr, and Steve Rossow have completed another Betts copy violin. Please contact us for more information. 130 High Street, The varnishing was be done by Jeff Phillips and Antoine Nedelec in Oberlin. It's questionable how many violins John Betts himself made, but he employed an illustrious group of makers such as Tobin, Vincenzo and Joseph Panormo, both Bernard Simon Fendts and John Furber, along with other less well known names. The 2010 project was to make a copy of the "Ole Bull" Guarneri violin, which was finished in 2011 . These cookies provide basic security, authentication and network management functions. He was a pupil of Richard Duke, and, in the few instruments made by himself, showed that he had imbibed much of Duke's lore. Instruments made at the workshop are offered for sale to the public, with the proceeds going to keep the workshop in operation. Unfortunately, your registration has been declined by the auctioneer. John Betts was born in Stamford, England, in 1752. John Betts was born in Stamford, England, in 1752. He was a pupil of Richard Duke, and, in the few instruments made by himself, showed that he had imbibed much of Duke's lore. It remained a treasured . The violin has a two piece back of highly-figured, quarter sawn maple which is book-matched. Sam Zygmuntowicz was in charge of the neck and scroll, and is shown here putting the final touches on the neck. Bow maker / Violin maker. Wurlitzer sold the "Betts" to John T. Roberts of Hartford, Connecticut, later acting as an intermediary in its sale to Mrs. Whittall. Because of his great knowledge of the history of violin making, Betts was an excellent copyist. My great-grandfather ordered a violoncello of Betts in the year 1780, to be made by Betts himself. He is holding the violin we made there. 1786, Violin - The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. We were allowed to play it. If on the other hand, you are a person who cannot afford to buy such a violin, you might be able to actually own a fine violin which is very close, for a fraction of the cost. This catalog data provides the details known to the Library of Congress regarding the corresponding items and may assist users in making independent assessments of the legal status of these items as related to their desired uses. (born February 17, 1949 in Moncton, New Brunswick) is a teacher and a New Brunswick politician. Amati, in collaboration with leading experts, have published a few key books in the field of stringed instruments. A very successful employee, Betts assumed the role of shop foreman . By William Meredith Morris. Tarisio Auctions Part of that status comes from the circumstances of its acquisition. Whoever he was, he didn't know what he had, and accepted Arthur Bett's offer of one Guinea. Composite, newer top (19th century) original back and sides. He was universally known as " Old John Betts," and was well respected and patronised. Suggested credit line: Library of Congress, Music Division. Violin maker. You can contact the auctioneer on +44 (0)1543 251081 for more information. The "Betts" is among the most legendary violins from Stradivari's workshop. It remained a treasured part of Betts' collection, but after the death of his son in 1852, the violin came into the hands of Hills of London and then a succession of distinguished owners. We use this information to help choose the woods used and to guide us in the making of accurate copies. Betts business became a focus for the market for old Cremonese violins. He made his own instruments as well as collecting and trading the work of old masters. London, England c. 1790-1810 Length of Back: 36.0 cm Upper Bout: 16.1 cm Middle Bout: 11.0 cm Lower Bout: 20.0 cm Certificates on file: Bein & Fushi 1984 William Lewis and Son 1957 a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate. violins@hebberts.com, Laurent Bourlier (III), Mirecourt, c.1820. While these craftsmen produced a very important body of work, particularly the cellos which have become highly sought-after, Betts greatest importance was as a violin expert. The Library of Congress is providing access to these materials for educational and research purposes and makes no warranty with regard to their use for other purposes. John Betts school / circle: fine antique English violin circa 1820. 1730, "Goldberg-Baron Vitta", Viola by Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, 1690, "Tuscan-Medici", Violin by Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, 1704, "Betts", - Kurfrstendamm 28 We offer buyers and sellers a bespoke private sale service, sourcing exceptional instruments and bows and matching them with the most discerning buyers Tim Ingles and Paul Hayday will offer an initial evaluation of the authenticity and value of your instrument or bow to recommend an auction estimate and reserve price for your instrument or bow Tim Ingles and Paul Hayday will offer an initial evaluation of the authenticity and value of your instrument or bow. Items included here with the permission of the rights holders are indicated as such in the bibliographic record for each item. Using the same digital computer files generated by Steve Sirr, and used to make the parts for the violin made in Oberlin, Steve Rossow has carved Stradivari's archings into the new top, and back, and Stradivar's original shapes of the neck neck and scroll on his CNC machine. Vincenzo Panormo also worked closely with Betts and certainly provided the expertise in making that brought about a change from the Stainer- and Amati-modelled work that Betts himself specialised in, towards fine Stradivari copies. A deal was made and the instrument changed hands for the sum of only one guinea. If you choose to continue using this website, you agree to our use of cookies. If you currently own a John Betts Violin, click the button below to receive a free valuation: 2023 Brompton's Auctioneers Limited | The First Floor 33 Percy St. London W1T 2DF, Web design by Karolo (1847 - 1867) Arthur II and John Betts II inherited the family business at London's Royal Exchange from their father, Arthur I in 1847 and instruments with the label 'Arthur and John Betts' were made from this point until the shop closed in 1867. By this time, the family were well established as the leading London dealers of . Betts Workshop Violin, London circa 1820. He . Even Stradivari violins need adjusting from time to time. London, W1G 9RL Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our site, detect errors, and provide better overall analytics. Email (*) Message (*) Enter Captcha. - 115 auction price results. The Oberlin violin makers workshop has been in operation for fifteen years. . Part of that status comes from the circumstances of its acquisition. To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Privacy Policy London Arthur Betts used the violin for the rest of his career. 11th Floor New York, NY 10019 Violin by Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, 1704, "Betts" [Full strung instrument, front and back], Stringed Instruments at the Library of Congress, Musical Instruments at the Library of Congress, Comparison of performances on five violins, Twin Guarneri Violins Reunited at Library, Wilkins Early Stringed Instrument Collection, Violin by Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, 1699, "Castelbarco", Violin by Antonio Stradivari, Cremona, 1700, "Ward", Violin by Nicolo Amati, Cremona, 1654, "Brookings", Violin by Jean Baptiste Vuillaume, Paris, ca. , circa 1800Viola, John Betts This violin has an electric vibrancy, as though the sound is just waiting to burst out. United States, Email: info.newyork@tarisio.com We use the digital information from the CT scans to make STL (stereolithography) files to directly transfer the carving of Stradivari's original archings into new tops and backs, and to directly transfer the shapes of Stradivari's original necks, and scrolls, using a CNC machine made and operated by Steve Rossow.