This distinctive ZS Strings violin is modeled after the work of Giovanni Paolo Maggini and reflects the bold character of the Brescian tradition, both visually and tonally.
The instrument began with well-aged European spruce and figured maple before being extensively refined and hand-finished by Zachary Sears. The top and back plates were regraduated and the bass bar carefully shaped and tuned to bring out the full potential of the instrument. Following assembly, the violin was finished by hand with a warm Brescian-inspired spirit varnish, giving it a rich reddish-brown color that beautifully highlights the maple figure and distinctive decorative work on the back.
Tonally, No. 014 is a large, powerful, and exceptionally resonant violin. The lower register has a deep, rich character with impressive sustain, while the upper register remains strong, clear, and projecting. It responds easily under the bow and has the kind of carrying power that works particularly well for orchestral players, advanced students, and musicians looking for a violin with more depth and presence than a typical Stradivari-model instrument.
The violin is professionally set up in the ZS Strings workshop with rosewood fittings, Knilling Perfection geared pegs, a rosewood harp-style tailpiece, and Larsen Virtuoso strings. Each element of the setup has been individually adjusted for the instrument for comfortable playability and optimal response.
No. 014 is an opportunity to own an individually voiced and hand-finished ZS Strings instrument at a price well below that of a fully bench-made violin, while still receiving the attention to setup, tonal adjustment, and finishing normally associated with a luthier-made instrument.
Features
G.P. Maggini-inspired model
European spruce top
Two-piece figured maple back
Hand regraduated and tonally refined
Individually fitted and tuned bass bar
Hand-applied Brescian-style spirit varnish
Decorative Brescian-inspired back ornamentation
Rosewood fittings
Knilling Perfection geared pegs
Rosewood harp-style tailpiece
Larsen Virtuoso strings
Professionally set up and tonally adjusted at ZS Strings in Vancouver, Washington
