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James Reynold Carlisle (1886-1962) was a significant American violin maker born in Ashland, Kentucky. Primarily self-taught, he began working for the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company in Cincinnati, Ohio around 1914, becoming their house luthier. Known for his "Italian sunshine varnish," his best handmade instruments are identified by his thumbprint on the label. He won third place for workmanship in a 1941 competition promoted by Jascha Heifetz. Carlisle modeled his work on Stradivari and Guarneri designs.
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