An American Violin By E.A. Elliott, 1957

EA Elliott was a 20th century amateur violin maker in South Miami who often travelled up to Harry Duffy’s shop for feedback. He was loosely mentored by one of their expert luthiers and maker of international renown, Severin Schurger. Having said that Elliott’s violins were often crude and unusual, sometimes varnished in different colors. Fortunately, the varnish on this particular violin is commendably good for color, translucence, and overall consistency. The materials otherwise used are first-rate, with tight, even grained spruce for the top of noteworthy quality and attractive, matching selections of maple for the ribs and headstock of light moderate flame and a quarter sawn piece of maple for the one piece back measuring 359mm. The mitre of the ribs is unusually narrow, terminating in a fine point, with the corner work taking a markedly triangular appearance to match the outline. Having said that, the purfling, attractive, wider, and most certainly entirely handmade. The scroll, attractive but simple. Symmetrical f holes with rounded edges to the wings – tool marks visible. Altogether, a wonderful alternative to many of the modern commercial offerings in the price range.

Labeled: EA Elliot, Kendall FL, October 1957.