German Violin, Circa 1920
This violin has now sold.
About Markneukirchen violins
This German violin was made in Markneukirchen around 1920. Markneukirchen was one of the centres of violin making in the world at this time and produced an enormous number of instruments and bows.
Markneukirchen is a small town in Saxony with a very long history of violin making: the first guild of violin makers in the town was established in 1677. At first, the members were all individual craftsmen working independently but based in the same town. Over the next 120 years, independent luthiers gradually made way for organised workshops where instruments were made by more than one person. This collaborative approach meant that by the year 1800 the town was producing around 18,000 violins a year whilst ensuring that the quality remained consistent.
Markneukirchen is still home to over 100 different instrument workshops today. The town also has a charming museum dedicated to its extraordinary history.
About the violin
The violin is modelled on the instruments of Stradivari. It has a two piece back of book-matched maple and a two piece front of fine-grained spruce which widens towards the flanks. The varnish is amber in colour, laid over a golden ground.
This violin was made in a workshop much like those described above. Each luthier had their own part to play in its making, from the initial rough out of the arching to the highly-skilled work of setting up the instrument ready to play. Antique workshop violins such as this one offer an excellent upgrade from contemporary factory-made instruments.
How does it sound?
This violin has a well-balanced sound and is comfortable and reliable to play.
Condition
The violin is in excellent original condition.