1936 L.A. Turville Violin, Napier, New Zealand

A rare piece of Hawke’s Bay musical history, this violin was handcrafted in Napier in 1936 by local resident Leonard Arthur Turville. Bearing the original handwritten label “L.A. Turville Napier 1936,” it represents the work of a skilled amateur maker - a professional woodworker by trade - during the city’s vibrant post-earthquake reconstruction period. Built with care using available materials, the instrument features a warm, rich orange-brown varnish over an attractively figured back and sides, paired with a well-figured spruce soundboard, elegant proportions, and classic styling typical of early 20th-century homemade instruments.

Recently restored and professionally set up by Phil Whitehead at The String Workshop in Mairangi Bay, this violin is now in excellent playing condition. It features a new Despiau bridge, a lightweight Wittner Ultra tailpiece, and a fresh set of Larsen Tzigane strings, delivering a warm, responsive tone with good projection and clarity suitable for fine music. 

A genuine New Zealand cultural artefact, this Turville violin is ideal for players seeking an instrument with unique historical character and a warm, singing voice. A wonderful collector’s piece and playable performer that connects modern musicians to Napier’s resilient past.