The Carbon Fiber violins made by Mezzo Forte and Louis and Clarck (among others) are also cornerless. According to them, the corners are a construction and structure need that carbon fiber violins don't have.
I have two old violins with no corner blocks, purchased as salvage projects. One is now playable. It has a rather dark tone and is quite loud under the ear, even with light bow pressure, and it resonates quite strongly on all strings. (Perhaps this is due to the cheap strings installed!) I will try a better set of strings on it soon, to see if that changes the character. It has a fake Strad label, but no country of origin label, or makers' name, so it may predate the Sherman Act. The other is a clearly labeled Czech-made fiddle from the Cold War era. It is awaiting a new neck and fingerboard. In comparison to my other violins, this one has a high arched belly. Perhaps it will end up as wall art.
I do like the cornerless look, Carlos. A more shapely figure, to be sure. It (cornerless construction) seems to work just fine for guitars, though I'm not sure I'd want a violin without a tailpiece.
I was hoping Lyndon would comment, since he trades in old European violins.
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