Antique violin by Charles Johnson, of Hawera New Zealand, 1919

Charles Johnson was originally a cabinetmaker from the Shetland Islands. He moved to New Zealand and settled in Hawera in the 1880s and made violins and cellos. He specialised in making instruments out of our unique native timber.

Violins, cellos and similar stringed instruments were made in his workshop between the late 1880s until the 1930s

The wood of this violin is New Zealand native mangeao, which is well known for its toughness and elasticity. It is most famously also known as the 'singing wood' because while being sawn it has the natural characteristic of resonating with a noticeable 'singing' tone.

Now fully serviced and lovingly restored at The String Workshop, this violin is a pleasure to play on and has a beautiful singing tone. Perfectly setup by Phil Whitehead with a new Despiau bridge, new ebony pegs, new Larsen Tzigane strings, and a new Pusch tailpiece. This violin has the best of everything.

You are welcome to visit The String Workshop in Mairangi Bay and Try before you buy.