2025 Pro Level New "Arcana Élysée" 4/4 Violin | 50yr Bosnian Tonewood | Larsen Cannone | New Case

I’m excited to introduce Arcana, my new champion line of violins. Inspired by the tonal richness of Phantom and the elegance of Dark Horse, the Arcana line is crafted for aspiring professionals and serious enthusiasts seeking professional quality. In recent play tests, it rivaled and even surpassed violins priced at $10,000+ at local shops, impressing store representatives with its tone and craftsmanship.

This violin was specially requested in early 2025 and took approximately seven months to complete. It was built by a master luthier who retired soon after its completion, making this instrument a rare representation of the culmination of his life's work and craftsmanship.

Why is it named the "Arcana Élysée" violin? I named it “Arcana Élysée” because it represents the pinnacle of the Arcana collection. Crafted from meticulously aged Bosnian tonewood that has matured for over 50 years, this master-level violin embodies the rare union of time, artistry, and uncompromising craftsmanship.

This violin is handcrafted from the finest Bosnian tonewood that has been aged for fifty years, featuring a tight grained aged spruce top, a stunning two-piece maple back, maple ribs, a maple scroll, natural ebony fingerboard, and boxwood fittings. Its dark, golden yellow and antique finish enhance both its visual elegance and tonal depth.

The setup features a high quality, European Aubert maple bridge, adjusted by me to precise specifications (.5mm under classical spec). It includes an rosewood English-style tailpiece with one fine tuner, rosewood chinrest, heart-shaped rose pegs, and a carefully adjusted spruce sound post positioned under the bridge to maximize tonal projection.

It is currently paired with newly strung Larsen Il Cannone strings, known for its explosive and powerful tone. This violin delivers a rich, refined, and effortlessly expressive, offering remarkable clarity, warmth, and depth while maintaining exceptional balance across every register. The instrument responds with precision to the lightest touch, rewarding the player with a broad dynamic range, singing projection, and a tonal complexity that continues to unfold with every performance.

The condition is brand new.

This will come with a brand new Gagliano oblong case with a hygrometer, a brand new carbon fiber Pernambuco hybrid bow, new case straps, and a performance shoulder rest.

*** A final inspection will be thoroughly given prior to shipping. All necessary compounds will be applied to prevent future slippage, stickiness, and reducing strings friction. This is to ensure a peace of mind. All of my instruments have been stored in a controlled room with the right humidity and temperature. All have been treated with care.

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🎻 New Violin FAQ: Settling & Tone Development 🎻

1. How long does it take for a new violin’s wood to settle? A brand new violin will begin to “open up” as soon as you start playing it. In general: • Initial settling: A few weeks to a few months of regular playing (30–60 minutes daily) will help the wood start vibrating more freely. • Continued development: Over 1–2 years, the tone will continue to mature, becoming warmer, richer, and more resonant as the instrument adapts to being played. • Long-term growth: Even after decades, a fine violin can continue developing subtle improvements in tone.

2. How long does it take for the bridge to settle? The bridge supports the strings and transfers vibration into the body of the violin. When first fitted and strung up: • Immediate settling: Within the first few days, the bridge will compress slightly under string tension and “seat” itself into the top plate. • Fine adjustment period: Usually 1–2 weeks of regular playing allows the bridge to fully stabilize, after which the tone will become more consistent. • Maintenance tip: The bridge should remain straight (not leaning forward or back). Check regularly, as string tuning can gradually pull it out of position.

3. When will the tone begin to improve? • Right away: You may notice subtle changes after only a few hours of playing. • Short term: After 1–2 weeks, the violin will typically sound freer and more balanced. • Medium term: At 3–6 months, many players notice a clearer, more projecting tone. • Long term: Tone continues to mature with consistent playing, often over several years.

4. Can I speed up the settling process? • Play regularly — the more the violin vibrates, the faster it opens up. • Keep the instrument properly humidified (around 40–60% RH). • Maintain the setup (bridge, sound post, strings) with a luthier when needed.