The labels read “W. Wilkanowksi, Violin Maker. Copy Antonius Stradivarius, Cremona 1736”. This Strad copy was made by hand in Wilkanowski’s workshop sometime between 1920-1952 in Brooklyn, New York. It features the maker’s signature oil varnish in a beautiful amber color, as well as a striking one-piece maple back with a lovely wide diagonal flame. This violin’s tone is powerful and robust, it would make a fantastic solo instrument while also blending with orchestras or chamber groups.

William Wilkanowski was a unique maker in that he not only specialized in the violin family, but guitars as well. A Polish immigrant and violinist (he consistently played in a polka band throughout his life), Wilkanowski worked for Oliver Ditson in Boston in the 1920s before setting up his own shop in Brooklyn. Wilkanowski’s firm was one of the few that was successful during the Great Depression, and he was approached by Fred Gretsch, a prominent guitar manufacturer in the late 1930s. Gretsch marketed Wilkanowski’s violins, and eventually persuaded the maker to create high-end fine acoustic guitars to compete with Gibson. These guitars brought Wilkanowski as much success as his violin creations, and were played by influential artists like Johnny Cash.

ITEM NO. NWILK