The history of the American violin is not quite as long as that of its European stringed cousins. Master violin-making in Europe goes back at least four centuries, Kerry notes, while in this country the first examples we see of quality violins were made in the early 1800s. Skilled craftsmen, many of them from Boston, such as the well-known violin maker Ira J. White, didn't take up the trade until the early part of the 19th century. The Boston School, The New York School, The Chicago School and The Philadelphia School were the largest centers of violin making during the 19th and 20th centuries. The musicians in these places supported violin makers.
Collectors often focus on one school, or even a particular period within a school.
Some eschew highly crafted violins altogether, instead seeking out more naive folk violins. Look closely to see the craftsmanship of American violins. And I don't mean look at books. Even before asking a question, Kerry says you can get the feel for the craftsmanship of American violins by inspecting them and even touching. Violin hunters can literally get their hands on old violins at the major auction houses.