April 2012

Geoff Fushi - You Will Be Missed

April 23, 2012 10:30

The music world lost a wonderful person last week. I am sad to report that a friend and colleague, Geoff Fushi of Bein & Fushi Fine Violins passed away on April 13th at the age of 68. Besides being a friend in the same business for many years, Geoff played a large part in some of our recent research and development in the area of CT scanning and condition reports.

Several years ago, Geoff invited Terry (as part of an international team of experts), to study what is considered by many to be one of the world’s greatest violins, the 1741 “Vieuxtemps” Guarneri del Gesu - Geoff called it "the Mona Lisa of violins". In addition, a 1707 Stradivari, a 1742 Guarneri, and a 1752 J.B. Guadagnini were also studied. The project incorporated CT scans, acoustic radiation, modal analysis, and binaural recordings, as well as research into what accounts for instrument projection. Thanks to Geoff, this research produced an abundance of information about these amazing instruments and led to a publication in The Strad and other scientific journals. The research would not have been possible without Geoff allowing us access to this amazing instrument.

Geoff was always a leader in the industry with great vision and forward thinking. He said he found the idea of CT scanning instruments fascinating. Click here to watch a video of Geoff talking about the experience and what it means for the industry.

Geoff saw that the future would blend art with science; allowing for studying fine instruments in ways never before possible. He was most gracious in allowing the team members access to these special violins for in-depth analysis. As a business person, he also embraced the idea that CT condition reports would provide transparency to musicians and dealers alike and was excited to be included at the beginning as we developed this revolutionary technology.

Terry Borman, Geoff Fushi, and Joe Curtin with the 1741 “Vieuxtemps” Guarneri del Gesu,a 1707 Stradivari, a 1742 Guarneri, and a 1752 J.B. Guadagnini

As we launched Instrumental Insight early this year, Geoff's health was failing and he was unable to share our excitement in the birth of the company that his early enthusiasm helped to nurture. Along with the data we obtained from other historic instrument owners, the combination of so many specimens allowed us to develop and perfect our software using the finest and most historic examples. As the company grows, he will forever be a part of our early history.

Thank you Geoff. You, and your contributions to the music world will be missed.

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April 2012

Geoff Fushi - You Will Be Missed

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