“The Argyle, 2024” is the newest, handcrafted original model violin from the Ruschil workshop. A development on previous designs, it incorporates physical and tonal elements of Carlo Tononi, especially the arching and soundholes. Although an original, the workshop model also is influenced by Nicolo Amati, Andrea Guarneri, Eugenio Degani & Ansaldo Poggi.

The back is carved from Bosnian maple, one-piece and deeply flamed, the ribs and scroll being from the same tree. The highly arched front is handcrafted from aged North Italian spruce from Val di Fiemme. The varnish is particularly special; a 51 year old vintage oil varnish with nothing but the natural colour from the resin. There is just one, very fine coat of colour varnish applied to the wood, as traditional, elegant and simple as possible, adding to its very classical look.

Tonally the violin is clear, focused and bright with plenty of volume. It has a balanced and a brilliant core across the strings with a shimmering golden upper register. It speaks with a classic tone even with little pressure from the bow

The violin has been finished with exhibition quality fittings; heart model boxwood pegs with ebony accents by Gerald Crowson, bespoke boxwood tailpiece with ebony fret by Alexander Accessories and Royal Eagle level Ruschil London bridge & soundpost. All Handmade in England. It is complimented with Larsen Cannone Soloist G,D & A strings with a Warchal Amber Forte E.

About The Maker:

Originally from London, Antoni Ruschil graduated from Newark School of Violin Making, UK. He then went on to apprentice making and restoring stringed instruments in workshops across Europe to refine his skills. Starting in Germany at the workshop of Roger Hargrave, then to Cyprus to work with Stepan Soultanian and on to Italy to apprentice with the Vettori family violin makers. He finally returned to London to work for JP Guivier and then on to Stringers in London.  He has also worked with Dextra Musica, Norway, the Fondazione Stradivari and Museo Civico in Cremona, Italy.

Antoni Ruschil sold the first instrument he made to the permanent collection of The Royal Academy of Music. As well as working closely with students from RAM, he also works with many from The Royal College of Music and Guildhall, optimising and perfecting sound, restoring and repairing. He has made personal model instruments for professional players across the world.