GDG Violin By Zhen Jie Zhao in Beijing, 2017.

Zhen Jie Zhao is the master craftsman presiding over the fifteen luthiers of Cedar Violins in Beijing, China. The workshop produces instruments ranging from just under $1,000 to Zhao’s personal works, which command prices in the $7,000-$10,000 range. This Guarneri Del Gesu inspired violin by Zhao was crafted in 2017 and boasts both a comfortable back length of 352mm and attractive choices for tonewoods; the two piece back of tight irregular flame, with matching ribs and a simpler headstock, even medium grained spruce, all finished with a highly translucent, carefully shaded and tastefully antiqued varnish with light craquelure.