Richard Cartwright started as an amateur maker mentored by Marten Cornellisen who lived nearby in western Massachusetts. Cornellisen’s style can be seen in various characteristics of Cartwright’s instruments. The varnish is a similar translucent burn orange umber consistently applied. The long, narrower f-holes, instrument outlines and choices of wood remind us of Conrellisen’s work, even if the model outlines are more rounded. This particular violin is very resonant with a projecting, mezzo voice. The strings are relatively balanced, with a slight bias towards the E one would anticipate with a more robust violin. The G & D are open and resonant, fun to play and can easily fill a room. There is plenty of color to work with.