Scott Cao – World-renowned master violin maker
Scott Shu-Kun Cao is one of the most respected violin makers in the world. His name is synonymous with craftsmanship, precision, and a sound that carries the tradition of Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesù into the 21st century. Born in 1956 in Guangzhou, China, into a musical family, his fascination with string instruments began at a young age.
Education and early years
Scott Cao studied violin making at the Guangzhou No. 2 Light Industry Technical School , where he was taught by masters Xu Fu and Liang Guo Hui . In 1985, he moved to the United States and worked in California restoring and restoring rare, valuable violins. There he honed his craft under the guidance of renowned craftsmen such as Roland Feller , Hans Weisshaar , and Luiz Bellini .
The founding of Scott Cao Violins
In 1989, Scott established his own violin factory in Guangzhou, China, followed by a workshop and violin shop in California, USA. His workshop produces both student and master instruments, with each model crafted with meticulous attention to wood selection, finish, and tonal balance.
The violins Scott personally built have won numerous awards at international violin making competitions, including gold, silver , and various certificates of merit . His students have also won prizes worldwide, underscoring the high level of skill within his workshop.
A globally respected name
Today, Scott Cao is one of the most renowned Chinese violin makers, with a reputation that extends far beyond Asia. His violins are played by international soloists and are beloved by collectors, orchestra players, and music schools worldwide. The instruments are distinguished by their warm, expressive tone and aesthetic refinement, with a finish closely aligned with the classical Cremonese tradition.
Model series and master copies
A key part of Cao's oeuvre is his series of replica instruments by renowned masters. These violins are based on the exact shapes, wood types, and varnish recipes of the original Antonio Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesù instruments. Thanks to his years of experience, Cao is able to perfectly recreate the specific tonal qualities of each original.
Guarneri del Gesù models
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1743 "Cannon" – played by Paganini; powerful, dark sound with exceptional projection.
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1740 "Ex-David" – played by Heifetz; rich, versatile, and dynamic in tone.
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1744 “Ole Bull” – late work with bright varnish and deep, Brescian-like sonority.
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1740 "Ysaÿe" – compact model with short horns and deep tone; a favorite with soloists.
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c.1730 "Kreisler" – combination of Stradivari architecture with Guarneri warmth.
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1741 "Vieuxtemps" – slightly darker timbre, with rich resonance and warmth.
Antonio Stradivari models
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1714 "Soil" – famous by Itzhak Perlman; great sound projection and warm depth.
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1715 "Cremonese" – a perfectly balanced tone, loved by Joachim and many modern makers.
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1713 "Gibson" – played by Joshua Bell; powerful, open, and exceptionally responsive.
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1693 "Ries" – Long Stradivari shape with rich tone and exceptional playability.
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1716 "Milstein" – a paragon of Stradivari's Golden Age, bright and refined.
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1715 "Titian" – warm, velvety, and elegant; a favorite of audiences and violinists.
Custom instruments
In addition to his historical copies, Scott Cao also offers the option of having violins built with specific tonal characteristics upon request. Whether you're looking for a dark, powerful tone like a del Gesù "Cannon" or a bright, refined projection like the Stradivari "Soil" – Scott can fully tailor the instrument to the musician's personal playing style and preferences.
Sound, refinement and tradition
What sets Scott Cao instruments apart is their balance between modern playability and traditional construction. Each instrument is meticulously crafted from select European spruce for the top and flamed maple for the back, with a natural oil or spirit finish that enhances the tone without smothering the wood. The resulting tone is warm, expressive, and rich in overtones—ideal for both solo playing and chamber music.
Scott Cao at Viool-kopen.nl
At Viool-kopen.nl you'll find select violins by Scott Cao , including models from the popular STV series for students and advanced players, as well as master instruments from his Californian studio. Each instrument is professionally tuned for optimal playability and tone quality.
Discover the Scott Cao violin range at Viool-kopen.nl and experience the perfect combination of classic Italian tradition and modern precision .
In summary
Scott Cao ranks among the absolute top contemporary violin makers. His instruments combine the soul of the old Italian masters with the precision of modern craftsmanship. Whether a Stradivari or Guarneri model, each instrument bears his distinctive signature: rich tone, perfect finish, and unparalleled playing comfort. For those seeking a violin with character, history, and personality, a Scott Cao violin is a lifelong investment.
