Are German violins any good?

Are German violins any good?

Those higher-priced violins were generally pretty good instruments, and far superior to the lower-priced instruments. Generally, the higher-end German trade violins are still pretty good instruments, and worth a premium price, particularly if they are in good condition.

Who was the best violin maker?

Antonio Stradivari
Bowed string instruments have been handmade since the 16th Century in Cremona, which is also the hometown of Antonio Stradivari, perhaps the greatest violin maker in history.

What is a German trade violin?

A trade violin is a fiddle made in a factory-type setting in Germany for export to the US for sale. A dead giveaway that it was for export was the “Made in Germany” label: were it made for sale in Germany, it would use the German word for Germany- “Deutschland,” if it had a “Made in” label at all.

Who are the largest violin makers in Europe?

Germany today still hosts the single largest group of violin makers in Europe. If the German violin makers list becomes too unwieldy, we might consider subdividing into the various German states.

What are the characteristics of a German violin?

So when it comes to North German trade violins, there are at least two types presenting radically different attributes, one with extended rib corners and generally looking a bit wonky, the other with finished off rib corners and looking super-symmetrical and neat.

Why was the violin in the hands of the public?

The violin as an instrument was firmly in the hands of the public, who wanted affordable, usable instruments that closely resembled the Stainers of the elite aristocrats and professionals.

Where does the fluting end on a German violin?

The scroll throat fluting usually ends at the “6 o’clock” position, the other end of the fluting center ridge widens into a “delta” shaped wedge at the end, and the inside of the pegbox is usually painted black (as may be the F-hole edges). Lower bout ribs will have a joint in the middle.