Remembering Andy Victor

Edited: October 4, 2025, 7:21 AM · Recently, while reading a Discussion thread about rosin and cleaning violins and violin strings, I noticed that there were no contributions from Andrew Victor, who always enjoyed those kinds of discussions. Sadly, a quick Google search turned up his obituary in the Marin Independent Journal.

There are already a few reminiscences in the other thread, but Buri suggested Andy should have his own blog discussion, so I'm creating that here.

Andy was a physicist by training and by vocation, one with an impressive record of accomplishments as a researcher in US national labs, and a correspondingly sterling reputation.

Andy's favorite, often-repeated tales concerned his early tutelage on the violin (relatively few formal lessons, he must have been profoundly talented), his experiences teaching the violin, playing in community orchestras (at one point accompanying a preteen Anne Akiko Myers performing Mendelssohn brilliantly), and playing chamber music on the violin, viola, and cello!

On our site here, Andy was known for respectful, wise, rational commentary. He'd chime in, too, wherever his physics background could be brought to bear, for example on questions about vibrations, acoustics, and such.

I hope anyone here who might be inspired to leave a reminiscence will not hesitate.

Replies (14)

Janet Doherty

October 4, 2025, 7:50 AM · Paul, I appreciated so much your posting on the cleaning thread. When I read it last evening it touched me deeply, along with being hugely impressed by the achievements of his life. I think Buri is correct in that Mr. Victor deserves his honor from us.

His posts were so engaging as you could always tell he spoke kindly from the heart...it was as though you were sitting in a room with him having a chat. That was his signature style. He added his own special blend to the group and we were lucky to have him. There is that void now (which as you felt and caused you to investigate further) I and others will surely feel.

Rest in peace Andrew, and thanks for your generosity.

Stephen Brivati

October 4, 2025, 7:55 AM · Hi Paul,
I posted a blog about Andy this afternoon.
Warmest regards,
Buri

Mary Ellen Goree

October 4, 2025, 8:14 AM · It’s a great tribute to Andy that his absence is felt.

A long life, well lived - may those who loved him find comfort in their memories.

Jeff Jetson

October 4, 2025, 8:38 AM · Paul Deck, thank you for making a post about Andrew Victor.

I remember Andrew from when I first started reading on this site and learned a lot from him even though some of his material was too difficult for me to understand. Andrew V never quite convinced me to wash my bow hair though when I had a shop a few miles drive from home haha. Will miss Andrew til we meet again.

Andrew Holland

Edited: October 4, 2025, 11:21 AM · This space won’t be the same without him. He sure seemed to enjoy conversations about string choice and setup. He also talked about how he played not only the violin and viola but also the cello, and he had at least 2 cellos, maybe 3.

Stan Yates

October 4, 2025, 10:09 AM · Andy was a bedrock contributor to this site; a great enthusiast. And he seemed like such a thoughtful person. I wish I had had the chance to meet him in person. My condolences to his family and loved ones.

Laurie Niles

October 4, 2025, 10:36 AM · Thank you, Paul and Buri. Andrew was a member of Violinist.com since 2007! We will greatly miss his presence here.

Will Wilkin

October 4, 2025, 10:52 AM · I too will miss Andy Vicor, whose decades of experience always gave authority to the kind insights he shared here.

Paul Deck

October 4, 2025, 11:45 AM · Here is Buri's blog post. I mentioned Andy's passing to Laurie yesterday morning and she offered the opinion that a discussion item would catch more attention. But certainly no harm having both.

Marco Brancalion

October 4, 2025, 11:55 AM · I did't know.
I'm very sad for the news ...

Christian Lesniak

October 4, 2025, 1:19 PM · Thanks for making this post, Paul.

It was always cool to read Andy's stories, and I privately marveled at his range and dedication.

Richard Jackson

October 4, 2025, 1:47 PM · I was very sad to hear of his passing on the other post. I always enjoyed his posts, very thoughtful and personable, like a chat with a favorite uncle. He contributed so much here and to his local music community, and his contributions as a research scientist were also very impressive. He left a legacy in multiple areas.

Sooyeon Hwang

October 4, 2025, 3:17 PM · It’s so touching that his last date in his obituary (July 18, 2025) is the same date as his last visit on this site. May his spirit rest in peace.

Stephen Brivati

October 4, 2025, 4:04 PM · Hi Paul,
yep. The discussion is better, but I'm glad I wrote the blog.
Regards
Buri

Remembering Andy Victor

Replies (14)

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