WHITE BROS PREMIER VIOLIN

The White Brothers, Ira Johnson and Asa Warren, are described* as "the first Boston master makers of violins".  Both Whites are reported to have been fine woodworkers who taught themselves the craft of violin making by studying instruments from the European masters. Asa and Ira J. were in business together as music dealers, publishers and instrument makers under the name I. J. & A. W. White from 1849 to 1852 at 52 Court Street, and as White Brothers from 1853 until 1863 at 86 Tremont Street.  After 1863, Ira went out on his own relocating just north of the city first in Malden, Massachusetts and then later in Melrose.

Asa Warren White was born in Barre, Massachusetts in 1826. He worked in his young days for Henry Prentiss [dealer and publisher], with a violin maker named Giradol, a quick workman, who worked on all forms of stringed instruments. In 1849 Ira J. and A. W. White formed a partnership and worked together repairing and making different instruments. Asa Warren made his instruments after the Stradiuarius and Guarnerius models. After Ira J. withdrew from the firm Asa W. White was in business alone; he turned out several hundred violins "and about ten 'Cellos, several violas, three viol da gambas, and two viol d'Amors. A. W. White received a gold medal from the Massachusetts Mechanics' Fair." His shop in Boston was a training school for some of the later violin makers. He died in 1893.   Ira Johnson White died in December of 1895 at the age of 82. 

We have two White Brothers violins, the Allegro and the Premier.  

Link to our web page:  http://goldenmusic.co/products/4673

                                     http://goldenmusic.co/products/43099

WHITE BROS ALLEGRO VIOLIN

*from Contributions to the Art of Music in America by the Music Industries of Boston, 1640-1936