This violin is modeled after Fritz Kreisler's 1733 Guarneri del Gesu', and was completed by Thurmond Knight in December, 2007.  The Sitka spruce used for the top is from northwestern Canada.  The one piece highly flamed maple back, neck and ribs, are from Bosnia. The instrument was gently antiqued with oil varnish.  

Thurmond dedicated this violin to the memory of his father's ranch foreman, Farrell Mann of Belle Glade, Florida.  In the 1940s and 50s Farrell taught Thurmond how to rope and ride a horse like a cowboy, how to lasso from horseback for branding cattle, and all the cowboy ways and lore that a young boy needed to know.  In return, Thurmond taught Farrell how to read and write.  

Farrell's violin has a large brilliant tone suitable for a soloist. The instrument was purchased by Bill Hayden, of Montpelier, Vermont.  

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