Old Jo Racket played this instrument more than sixty years ago; so far back I can answer for it.

You remember Jo, Mrs.Bower, ma'am?
Yes, yes, you can just remember him; you was a little 'un when he'd use to crawl round from the work'us of a Sunday to the "Green Man." When he went into the 'Ouse he give the fiddle to Mat Trent, Lyddy and Thyrza's father, Mr.Ackroyd.Ah, talk of a player! You should a' heard what Mat could do with this 'ere instrument.

What do _you_ say, Mrs.Bower, ma'am ?' 'He was a good player, was Mr.Trent; but not better than somebody else we know of, eh, Mr.Hackroyd ?' 'Now don't you go pervertin' my judgment with flattery, ma'am,' said the old man, looking pleased for all that.

'Matthew Trent was Matthew Trent, an' Lambeth 'll never know another like him.

He was made o' music! When did you hear any man with a tenor voice like his?
He made songs, too, Mr.Ackroyd--words, music, an' all.