John Sipe Violins

Obituary

In Memory of John E. Sipe February 27, 1931 - September 4, 2012

John Earl Sipe, Luthier, 81, of Charlotte, a well known violin maker, was called home to the Lord on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at his home. He was born February 27, 1931 in Catawba County, NC, son of the late Homer Eugene Sipe and Delia Turner Sipe. A longtime member of First Baptist Church, his instruments were known worldwide. Mr. Sipe served his country in the U.S. Army, where he was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two Campaign Stars and the United Nations Service Medal. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Hughes Sipe and a sister, Dorothy Finger. Mr. Sipe is survived by his wife, Stella West Sipe; daughter, Crystal DeMund and husband Richard; grandson, Raymond DeMund; stepdaughters, Jerrie Ann Smith and husband Charles and Wendy West Holder; step-granddaughter, Natalie Page Smith; brother, Glenn W. Sipe; and sisters, Hazel Huffman and husband Garland, Mildred Sipe, and Sue Kirkley and husband Robert. A memorial service will be held 12:00 o'clock noon on Friday, September 7, 2012 in the Chapel of Harry & Bryant Company, 500 Providence Rd., Charlotte with the Reverends Mark Harris and Michael Cummings officiating. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 301 South Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.

	Nadir Khashimov Russian violinist Nadir Khashimov, winner of the Pablo Casals competition in Spain, plays a John Sipe violin as a student at Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia under the auspices of Shruniel Ashkenasi and Pamela Frank. Hear this wonderful violinist playing Zigeunerweisen with Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra in the Grand Hall of Moscow Conservatory.		Bo Xun Student Bo Xun of Houston Texas, studying with Cho-Liang L at Rice University met his perfect match in a concert violin made by John Sipe more than 20 years ago, nothing short of what a concert violinist demands from an old Italian instrument. Colleagues couldn’t believe that his violin was actually a modern instrument with power that carries with a full range of colors. “Thank you master John Sipe for crafting my magnificent violin”. Bo Xun	UNC-TV Our State Wonders in Wood A documentary filmed by UNC-TV featuring John Sipe, who made his first violin in 1960.  More than four decades later, this talented luthier is still crafting instruments whose sound will likely resonate as beautifully 300 years from now as it did the first time it was played.  From workshop to stage, he sheds light on the interplay of physics, wood, varnish, tone and time to show how these delicate yet strong instruments come into being. Join us to behold the stunning craftsmanship of this inspired artisan.		For Original Purchasers Signed certificates of authenticity are issued to the original purchaser, that specifically describes each individual violin then and is enclosed in a quality folder suitable for framing.
		It has been concluded that the right combination of wood, varnish, design, shape, age and lots of playing, creates the overtones that make an instrument outstanding with superb tone quality.
Every violinist whether amateur or concert status, has conflicting opinions about tone quality and what constitutes it. Who and what elements define tone? Talk to makers, performers or dealers and all have different, but vague answers. But they all agree that the Italians set the standards by which all others are measured. This makes the job of the modern makers very difficult in trying to meet these standards, and not to mention exceeding them. Over the years, almost every conceivable test has been devised to test and determine what the Italians masters did or used to create this magnificent tone quality. Every aspect of the physical components have been tested and re-tested with the most modern and sophisticated equipment available in order to unlock this mystery. Be assured that all are correct. It is the right combination of wood, varnish (its application) and what we cannot give - age. It is the meshing of all these elements that create the overtones that result in instruments with superb tone quality. It is also important to know that proper alignment of these overtones aid in the production of excellent intonation. The premier makers try to make every instrument that leaves the bench exude these qualities and not a hit-and-miss effort. There will always be minor nuances between every instrument that leaves a makers bench due to the characteristics of each individual piece of wood. But they all will signify the hands of the maker and will be consistent across the lot.		Each of us would love to own one of the old masterpieces, but with the rising cost and diminishing avialibility, we are forced to seek out the best of the contemporary makers who exhibit unmistakable individuality, but who still adhere to the principles of the very best violin makers. John Sipe has been making world class instruments for over 30 years. These professional quality violins exhibit individuality as well as time tested developed methods. You are invited to see and audition his instruments at his new location. All inquiries are confidential and handled in a most professional manner. Inventory is limited, so call or send an e-mail today for an appointment. The experience will be rewarding!			Perfected over 40 years, shaped after the Italian methods of the 16^th and 17^th centuries.
John Sipe Violins Phone (704) 576-8508 Email mailto:crystaldemund@yahoo.com