I have sent a 3/4 size violin with Grandpa and Grandma Dastrup who are traveling to Cincinnati to help David and Tamara take care of their family during Tamara’s upcoming oral surgery and removal of a cyst from her wrist. The violin is for Sanja to use. This is a precious keepsake that I hope she will cherish and take good care of. I want to tell her a little bit about it here.
Violin in a new case
This is the very instrument I used as a young boy myself when I was a beginner. I started taking lessons when I was just a few years younger then you, at the age of eight. I was already taking piano lessons. I believe this violin belonged to my grandpa Hendriksen but I don’t know where or when he got it. This probably means that it is close to 100 years old. (I got you a nice, new case from Uncle Tom because the old one was not in very good condition for taking to school or lessons.)
Violin looking at the top
When we got this instrument it needed some work so it was taken to Dale Stevens for the job. I bought a new violin from him many years later in my junior year of high school which I still play.
This 3/4 size violin has wonderful tone for an instrument of its size. It does not look like a nice new instrument, but that is one if its beauties: it has been well-used but still plays very well. (We probably need to get you some new strings and will sometime soon.) I believe that a few of your relatives have played this instrument also, including Aunt Kristen. They enjoyed playing it, and we hope you will too. You will also notice on this photo that the old case with green interior is shown. The case has served its purpose well and has protected the violin through these many years. Be careful with it and it will serve you well. Then when you get a full-size violin maybe someone else can use it so it retains its usefulness for the future. Love, Grandpa.