Spidlen violin
I have heard some very good comments about Spidlen violins (both dad and son). I am looking for a new instrument and I would like to get more information about their instruments. According to their web site, the father, Přemysl, is 80 years old. I don't even know whether or not he still makes violins. The son, Jan, seems to be an interesting maker. I have sent an email to them to get more information about the price and the waiting period, but so far there is no reply. Does anyone have any information?
Replies (3)
I recently communicated with Jan. He charges Euro 15,000 for a violin and his wait list runs at about 2years.
Personally I prefer to spend 1/2 that amount with one of the excellent Cremonese luthiers who have been making for 20+yrs.
If you interested I can offer you Otakar Fr. Spidlen 1930 violin for 7500 EUR. Spidlen violins sound better and more powerful then most modern Italian makers. I am a dealer and I had many violins going through my hands. Believe me, you will not regret it. sermor@live.com
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July 29, 2005 at 09:57 PM · Jan Spidlen is an award winning maker who is carrying on the Spidlen Violin Making Dynasty since 1867.
From the beginning of his career Jan has successfully attended various international violin-making competitions where he has continued to assume top positions: 1990 Paris (6. place – viola, 7. place – violin); 1993 Mittenwald (2. prize - violin), 1993 Prague (1. prize - viola), 1994 Manchester (3. prize - violoncello), 1997 Mittenwald (2. prize - violin, 1. prize not awarded), 1997 Cremona (4. place - violin), 1999 Paris (honourable mentions – violin and viola)
In October 2003 Jan Spidlen reached his greatest success so far. With his two violins he participated at the jubilee 10. Triennale - the important international violin-making competition in Cremona/Italy. To everyone's amazement, he received the 1. and the 2. prize, as well as 2 other prizes for the best tone and workmanship of the whole competition, and another special prize of the Polish violin-makers' assotiation for the best sounding violin. This phenomenal success is unique - apparently this was the first time a violin-maker received so many prizes at one time.
Spidlen's website is:
http://spidlen.housle.cz/Titulni_stranka/index2_angl.html