George W. Fisk
Stradivarius of the West
"World's Great Violin Maker Glories in Work
~
Fisk's Shop in Greeley Seems to Exude Melody"
- The Sunday News: Denver, CO, April 6, 1913
About George W. Fisk
George W. Fisk was the proclaimed" Stradivarius of the West by World-Famous Musician Edouard Remenyi.
George W. Fisk was a man who captivated the world with his violins and his colorful life. Born on May 30th, 1838 in Bennington, Vermont - he quickly moved to Hoosick Falls, New York with his parents where he soon became employed at Wood and Parsons, a machinery and lumber operation as a pattern maker under the famous farming equipment businessman, Walter A. Wood.
In time, a self-taught musician, Fisk joined the Bennington Cornet Band as a Baritone Cornet player and served in the Civil War under Franklin M. Crossett in the 2nd Vermont Volunteer Regimental Band, in which Fisk played during the battle of Bull Run.
Fisk moved to the Union Colony (now Greeley, CO) in 1870 (he left and returned permanently in 1876) and set up shop as a violin maker and furniture maker.
Edouard Remenyi, a world-famous Hungarian Violinist and Composer performed in Greeley and was introduced to Fisk. They soon became friends and Remenyi wrote a letter to Fisk shortly before his death proclaiming Fisk to be "The best Violin maker in not only the United States but also the World."
Many famous musicians, philosophers, writers, and politicians have some connection with Fisk including Remenyi, Shubert, Brahms, Delbridge, Stark, Dupre, Fisher, Hubbard, Eaton, and more.
To date, we know that G.W. Fisk made 163 violins and 2 violas.
Violin Making History
Violin makers of the past.
- Stradivari - Cremona, Italy
- Guarneri - Cremona, Italy
- Germunder - Astoria, NY
- Colton - Brooklyn, NY
- Heskett - Colombus, OH
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This website will undergo regular updates as additional information regarding G.W. Fisk and his violins is submitted or discovered.