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James Robinson began his career by studying violin making in Cremona, Italy (from 1971) with the renowned masters; GB Morassi, F. Bissolotti, and G.Scarabotto at the International School of Violinmaking. After finishing, his first violinmaking job was in London, England at Ealing Strings, one of Europe's best violin shops.
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An American by birth, he first came to Australia in 1991,
after graduating from university in Hawaii (University of
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Hawaii B.Sc.). He quickly fell in love with the country and
has long been a citizen.
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He has won 4 International Awards for making new Instruments(now over 300) including Violin, Viola, and Cello.
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A senior member of this trade with more than 50 years of high-level experience in Europe, Asia, North America and Australia, he is now serving clients in Melbourne, Geelong, and all regional areas of Victoria.He also has instruments for sale in Sydney.
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Unsolicited Email from an owner of a JW Robinson violin:
From: Antonis Panayotatos
To James Robinson <info@violinplace.com.au>
Dated 2024 - 05 - 05
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James,
"You may recall or email exchange from 2020 in which I asked about one of your Testore bench copies. I purchased from Metzler in California. My wife and I had a baby shortly after I bought the instrument and I found myself playing less than I wanted to. Recently, however, I've gotten back into the swing of things and am playing more than ever. I just wanted to shoot you a message and let you know just how much I love your instrument. I find it effortless to play because of the size and response and I really think it has made me a better violinist then I'd ever been before. Its aesthetic gets many comments from other violinists, particularly the inked purfling on the back and the unique varnish color. I've tried a variety of strings on it and am really impressed how versatile it is and how I can use it within a quiet ensemble performance or in a full orchestral setting. Really, I can't stress enough how happy I am with it!
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I hope all is well, and thanks again for the really wonderful violin."
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Antonis Panayotatos
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(two more);
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The trade of stringed musical instrument making and restoration is called 'Liuteria' (in Italian) and a (male) violin-maker is called a 'Liutaio'(in Italian). Among the earliest makers was Andrea Amati (1505-1577) who worked in Cremona, Italy from around 1520. Many of the most famous historical violin makers worked in Cremona, Italy.
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