Malcolm Collins violin #49 Upper Hutt, New Zealand, 2008

When Malcolm Collins died in April 2025, he had only recently completed his final instruments, evidence of his passionate commitment to violin making. This handsome Guarneri model violin, with its vividly-flamed maple back and ribs, dates from his middle period, and is carved with simplicity and an accuracy that typified his work throughout his career. The tone is full, direct, rich and colourful, with a soloistic projection and great versatility in response. We think it is one of the best instruments we have seen by this maker.