JAVS Spring 2024

a chance to stabilize. This process added to the cost and time of building, but it ensured the quality of his instruments. He was also known for developing his own formula of varnish, which was meticulously applied by hand on each layer. 22 Many of Reed’s violas were made based on the Tertis model, which features narrower upper bouts, wider lower bouts, and taller ribs to maximize air volume and improve sound quality. 23 Throughout his career, Reed continued to question his work and improve his craftsmanship. After experimenting with various modifications, Reed believed he had built a superior instrument; yet Reed was not the only person who thought his instruments were masterpieces. Wenberg’s The Violin Makers of the United States claims that Reed was known for his fine workmanship. 24 Edward Preodor, head of the University of Florida strings department once said “a discriminating listener could not tell the difference between a Strad and one of Reed’s better violins. In

fact, I would rather play one of Reed’s than any that are being built anywhere today.” 25 Although no name is specifically mentioned in Reed’s biography by his brother, Howard Reed, he claims a concertmaster of the Cincinnati Symphony owned one of Reed’s instruments. 26 Reed kept no written record of his instruments during his first thirty years as a maker, but his final twenty years can be represented by detailed lists of instrument orders in his biography. Cade’s purchase of his viola in 1968 is reflected in these records, as well as a violin purchase a year later, both shown in Table 1. Both instruments were some of the last instruments Reed made in his career, likely making them some of his finest creations. Additionally, they were made only a few instruments after what some say was his finest violin, meaning that they were likely also quite exceptional instruments. 27

*Some say that [#2097] was his best violin Table 1. Dudley Reed instruments from 1968 and 1969 Acquired from Dudley Reed, Fiddle Maker: A Memorial, p. 27.

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