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John Sipe Testimonials “I’d been looking for a violin for
years. I wasn’t completely satisfied with
the newer instruments, and in most cases, could not afford the old ones. After 5 minutes on John Sipe’s violin I
knew I had to buy it. This instrument
is a dream come true. All the sound
and looks of a fine, old Italian instrument, at a price one can afford. It projects beautifully in theaters and in
concert halls. This violin also records like a dream…so even and rich, and so
easy to play. Many of my colleagues
have asked about the instrument, based on the sound or the beautiful
finish. When I tell them it was
completed in 2002 they are very surprised.
When I tell them the price…well, I can see the jealousy. I realize
that looking for a new violin is extremely personal; tastes vary greatly. However, John Sipe’s instruments are worth
trying for anyone looking for something great. I’ll have this violin forever--even when I
can afford the Strad…” Jonathan Dinklage Professional Violinist, “I like to play a lot of bravura pieces of the violin
literature. So, I spend a lot of the
time playing pieces of composers like Paganini, Wienaski, and Sarasate just
to name a few. When I play, I play
hard. Also, I noticed that when I play
these composers’ pieces on inferior instruments, they just couldn’t handle
the pressure. Or if they could, there
was always a problem… poor tone quality, no projection, unevenness when
crossing strings, higher position break downs (usually happens around the 4th
position), etc. But once I got a Sipe
violin in my hands, all that changed. I find his instruments to be of the highest order. The tone of his violins is of a solo
quality, which is dark, rich, and deep on the lower strings while the E
string rings with sparkling brilliance. His instruments are made strong. You can play them on any string in any
position and as hard as you want. They
will not break down!!! Now, I really
enjoy playing those virtuoso pieces because I have an instrument that will stay
with me. It’s very exciting! Also, John Sipe’s instruments have great sound
projection or carrying power. I have
taken my instrument and other violins of his to high churches to test their
sound projection, and I am always amazed at how an instrument so small can
fill such facilities. And if you are
an artist with the bow, John’s violins possess a wonderful tonal palette of
colors that will help you create incredible musical masterpieces that will
leave tears in your eyes. You will not
want to put it down!!! I know, I’ve
been there.” Jonathan Sullivan Teacher and Performer, Charlotte NC, 2005 “I have had the privilege to play on a John
Sipe violin since 1986. The violin has
a wonderfully deep, warm sound on all four strings, although with very
individual timbre and blend perfectly well together. The violin has a beautiful red color, like
a burgundy wine, and the flaming of the wood is very pleasing to the
eye. It is one of John’s earlier
violins before he started making violins that have a more antique appearance. It is the John Adams of the Presidential
Series. (John Sipe made a series of
violins named after each of the presidents, starting with George Washington
and stopping with George Bush, senior.)
Through an inheritance, I became the owner of a Nicolas Amati from
1650, which I donated to the Smithsonian Institute in 1998. I had the opportunity to play both violins,
the Nicolas Amati and the John Sipe for several years; I preferred the John
Sipe because of the bigger sound. John
and I are good friends, and currently I am playing on some of his newer violins,
and also on a very gorgeous sounding viola.
John has made a few cellos (I don’t have one). He also studied bow making in Menno Pennink Retired Neurosurgeon and Violin Player, “Recently I witnessed a member of the
famed Leroy T. Sellers Professional Violinist and Teacher, NC, 2004 “I am a professional violinist in NYC where I perform regularly at Patricia Davis Professional Violinist, NYC, 2004 “Back in 1999, at my request, John Sipe sent me a Guarneri model
violin for my consideration. Although
the instrument was relatively new, the beauty, the power and clear projection
of the sound through the Tivoli Theatre in Jack Cobos Professional Violinist, Educator, TN, 2004 “I have earned my masters degree from the
Joanna Mulfinger Lebo Principal Second, “As a concert violinist, Professor of Violin and Orchestra Conductor
at Columbus State University, I needed a violin as a back-up to a very fine
Italian instrument that I had been playing for years during my concert tours
throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and South America. About seven or eight years ago, I came
across a Guarneri model violin that John Sipe had made in 1999. The instrument was brand new, but I was
extremely impressed with the quality, projection and Italian characteristics
of its sound. The violin developed
into a magnificent instrument and has been my favorite ever since.” Pat Cobos Professional Violinist, Professor, “I have played a Sipe violin for fourteen years. This wonderful instrument has been a joy to
play as a solo instrument, projecting beautifully in the several halls in
which I have played. It also blends as
a chamber instrument, which is my favorite genre. The violins sound is clear and projecting,
rich in the low register, with upper-registration capabilities from sweet to
strong and bright. I premiered a new
violin concerto in 1998 and couldn’t have been happier with how easily the
violin played and how well it projected over the orchestra. It has served me well as a recording
instrument and has received high praise from recording engineers and
producers. My Sipe violin allows me to
explore the rich timbres and nuances of the music I perform, and I am still
just scratching the surface of what this violin can do.” Dianne Pinner Professional Violinist, Educator, “For the last four years, I have had the
pleasure of playing a Guaneri ‘Del Gesu’ model violin crafted by Mr. John Sipe. It possesses a high quality and a clear
beautiful tone, which is rich and full.
I am a professional concert violinist, born in Dr. Margaret Nickol Concert Violinist, “In the last several years, I have been looking for a great
contemporary violin. I knew of a maker
I was interested in and of a fine violinist who owned one. I called her to get some information about
possibly acquiring one. Several weeks
later she called and said, ‘I have some good news and some bad news…my violin
has just been reappraised for$40,000.00.
The good news is I just played a violin by a North Carolina maker
named John Sipe and it is every bit as good as mine-- it is absolutely
beautiful, and not anywhere near the price of mine. I couldn’t put it down.’ I wasted no time connecting with Mr.
Sipe. He brought me two violins, and
after seeing and playing them, I loved them both. I wanted to buy the two of them, but
settled on one, finally. I have been
fortunate enough to play a number of Cremonese instruments--Testore,
Guadagnini, a few Strads and other fine Italians. I say, without question, my Sipe is in that
class. The label says ‘created in the
manner of the Cremonese masters’…that is the truth. It looks like that and it sounds like
that. I intend to own more of this
man’s instruments. I will also say
that the violin has blossomed amazingly in the year that I have played
it. It seems to get better all the
time…and I love looking at it! A
word about the maker—he is a fine person, a real craftsman and artist. From the business side, he is a pleasure to
work with and is as good as his word—in short, what a treasure! John and his beautiful instruments have my
unreserved recommendation.” Paul Statsky Professional Violinist, Educator, “All my life has been involved with
violins, violin makers, violinists and violin students. When serious students or colleagues desire
a fine violin, it is my pleasure to direct them to John Sipe. Every violin he makes is with a special
purpose and that is, ‘What must be done to this wood to make this a great
instrument’. He does not waste his
time repeating over and over copies of a past instrument. Each instrument has its own inimitable
personality that he carefully searches for as he eagerly carves its form and
shape. John has his own ability to
perform and can tell immediately how to gage his work and what is needed to
bring out the quality of tone he is looking for and the ideal sound for each
particular instrument. When I pick up
his instruments, I know before I hear its tone that it is a great instrument
of genuine worth. The workmanship is
so healthy and beautiful. You can see
the hand of an experienced master workman.
I love the rich clear sound on the ‘G’ string and its continuation and
evenness as all the strings are related and send the same character of
resonance. John Sipe is obsessed with
creating the best possible violin from his collection of old and seasoned
woods. He prays that our Lord will
show him what to do to make each instrument the best he can possibly
produce.” Joan Mulfinger Professional Violinist, Teacher and
Christian Education, “My name is Rong-Yan Tang. I am in the first
violin section of the I also liked how the violin looks.
Many of my colleagues in CSO asked if it was an old instrument,
because it looked like one. Mr. Sipe
did a great job copying it from a Guarneri.
It has the detail of an old instrument, such as the antique color, the
elegant shape, and even the cracks and dents look almost real. It is beautiful to look at. I have enjoyed playing on this instrument for more than 2 years now
and I believe that it will continue to improve. Like all the great instruments, not only do
they come from wonderful makers, they are also played by many dedicated
musicians year after year and become priceless works of art.” Rong-Yan Tang Professional Violinist, |
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