Zhen Jie Zhao is the master craftsman presiding over the fifteen luthiers of Cedar Violins in Beijing, China. The workshop produces instruments ranging from just under $1,000 to Zhao’s personal works, which command prices in the $7,000-$10,000 range. This Guarneri Del Gesu inspired violin by Zhao was crafted in 2017 and boasts both a comfortable back length of 352mm and attractive choices for tonewoods; the two piece back of tight irregular flame, with matching ribs and a simpler headstock, even medium grained spruce, all finished with a highly translucent, carefully shaded and tastefully antiqued varnish with light craquelure.