ANDREW HYDE 1840-1923
Andrew Hyde was a fascinating character: a mechanical genius who worked as Thomas Edison's assistant, a Civil War veteran, and a successful and influential violin maker. In 1886, he opened a violin and bowmaking shop in Northampton, Massachusetts, and he was vehement in stating the superiority of new violins over old ones.



The two-piece back of this viola, made circa 1890, is of prominent flame, with dark red-brown varnish on a golden ground. The carving of the scroll is pristine, and it plays with a healthy, pure sound. Andrew Hyde
Northhampton c.1890
15 1/8" Viola
#C-934
$8,000