Excellent c.1870 German ViolinHandmade Antique Mittenwald Instrument
Truly a better violin than instruments costing over $10,000.I am a bit surprised that this violin has not sold yet. It has been played for holiday performances by professional violinists who agree that it is perfectly set up and is way underpriced when compared to instruments in fine shops
Shipped in a quality Carbon-Fiber Case.The violin was made in Mittenwald Germany around 1870 or so and exhibits many ofthe identifiable Mittenwald attributes but executed to a very high grade. The fine oil varnish, impeccably inlaid purfling, the excellent carving, clean and artistic scroll, fine choice of woods including the boldly flamed one-piece back, the well-shaped button, and well-conceived model and arching, the dropped saddle, one-piece rib, and Mittenwald \"notch\" all combine to reinforce the impression of a truly fine quality handmade, antique violin.
This is very old and heavily played, fine Mittenwald violin, is in very good, repaired condition. There have been several small cracks repaired on the top, two around each f hole as well as a small bass side saddle crack. There are no cracks or repairs in the bass bar or sound post areas. There are two or three small repaired cracks on the back, two at the tail and one tiny one at the top. Again nothing in the sound post or bass bar areas. The varnish on the violin is an original, very high quality oil varnish retaining much of its original gloss and fiery transparency. The set up is very good with a well-carved bridge and sound post, well-fitted pegs that hold well and turn smoothly and easily, and fresh Thomastik Dominant strings. The string heights are correct, neck projection is good, seams have all been checked and glued as needed. It is a very lightweight and resonant violin. It comes with a quality chin rest installed. This violin is ready to play.
The sound of this instrument is perhaps the best reason that old, handmade, master Mittenwald violins like this are among the most desirable and valuable of all German violins. The finest individual German masters came out of Mittenwald while other regions such as Markneukirchen and Schonbach were better known for their mass produced commercial violins for the export trade to North America.
The tone is remarkable for its depth and rich, dark color. But even with its warm and viola-like sound, it is highly capable when pressed, and has the penetrating brilliance and carrying power that makes for a fine concert violin. This is a big, loud, and powerful sound, that can be a bit surprising for those who have never played a real concert capable instrument. The sound explodes from the violin as if amplified, but has the ability to sound soft, sweet and creamy with just a bit gentler bow pressure. This is a very flexible instrument, with loads of options for expression by the accomplished player. It has exceptional clarity, a clean and pure sound, and loads of juicy, ringing overtones that can be rather magical.
This is a full-sized violin.The back measures 353mm or 13 7/8 inches. The vibrating string length is 328mm,the neck length is 130mm,and the body stop is 196mm.
PRICED WAY BELOW VALUE: This violin is an excellent example of the highest quality concert violins to come out of Germany. It would absolutely sell in shops for $10,000, however, this instrument is missing a clear label. This is a truly great instrument....a fantastic antique master violin for the professional player. Check out the youtube video--this violin sounds fantastic and is quite loud.
I have been on for 17 years, and have a great rating. I\'m not a violin dealer, but I have sold hundreds of instruments, mostly guitars, and I have a 100% positive record on as a seller. Be assured that my local L.A. music shops would sell this for thousands more. Don\'t waste your money. My daughter is in a doctoral music program and this instrument was checked out by fellow students and teachers who describe it as a truly great instrument.
This gem would be perfect for a professional looking to upgrade to an antique master instrument or for a parent who wants their budding performer to excel.
Thanks for looking!Please see this instrument being played at youtube by entering the following words:
Mittenwald, Germany, c.1870 Handmade Master Violin
I have dropped the price substantially...so please keep a close watch on the price.Note that the label has been stained or discolored over the years, but is clearly original and has not been altered in any way.
