John Mackintosh (Irish: Seán Mac an Taoisigh; c. 1780–1841) was a luthier, author and maker of violins from Dublin.

[1][2] Towards the end of his career, he wrote a short publication on violin making and the Cremonese school, where he claims to have rediscovered their forgotten technique of wood preservation.

[6] However, this may be a mistake due to the existence of two other Scottish luthiers named John Macintosh (spelled without a 'k') that flourished in Scotland in the 19th century.

[2] Mackintosh's choice of address was likely not haphazard; there were various skilled craftsmen, such as watchmakers, clockmakers and other musical-instrument makers on the quay during first half of the 19th century.

In fact, it is believed that Mackintosh shared his premises with a pipemaker named Timothy Kenna, who had earlier succeeded his father's business on Essex Quay.

In particular, he stresses the importance of choosing good quality, mature timber with pores of a certain size and formation that have been dried and cleaed through a natural process.

Whereas Boydell suggests that he died in Dublin in 1840[2] However, there is evidence of Mackintosh residing at Lower Ormond Quay until at least 1841 in the Post Office Directory.

[13] Additionally, Mackintosh would typically brand his violins externally at the back below the button 'MACKINTOSH/DUBLIN', a signature of the Irish school.

One of his violins is preserved in the National Museum of Ireland as part of a collection of musical instruments by Irish makers.