Beautiful One-Piece Back Old Markneukirchen Violin circa 1930

click picture to enlarge

We have a non-labeled well-made Stradivarius model violin from Markneukirchen, Germany. Yes, puzzling again that a maker poured a great deal of time and craftsmanship into this violin without ever placing his name or the firm’s name inside the instrument. Many of these Markneukirchen shops had high levels of quality and standards. This is one of those instruments. This violin comes from one of the most famous making areas in Germany which produced an amount of bowed string instruments that was measured by the tonnage being shipped out on the rail lines. If a young man wanted to learn the art of violin making he would have spent many years there learning your craft. The economics of Markneukirchen centered around a historical trade route, instrument and bow making and grew stronger beginning in the late 1700’s. Its geography in the high mountain region helped the area survive two World Wars and was an area blessed with an unbelievable wood source.

I date our violin from the beginning of the 1930’s. The instrument was made by a very seasoned maker and the workmanship in the fluted sound holes, cut scroll, and plates is spot on exceptional. The wood choice is way above average, and the violin has amber/brown varnish all on a golden amber ground. The violin has a few darker shaded areas on the ribs and the plates. The varnish work was done by brush, has classic patina and natural wear encompassed in a classic look. The one-piece flamed maple back jumps with a medium-width flame. The tongue has an ebony crown. We have gone over the entire violin in our workshop with a new set up, pegs, nut, camber, post, bridge, tail, and chin rest. A great instrument for someone looking to get into and older European violin with lots of character and great response off he strings.

Corpus 3360.0 mm., Major Width 204.5 mm., Minor Width 165.0 mm., Rib Height 30.0 mm.

The sound is superb; somewhat meaty with a gutsy mature bottom end. The G and D strings are rich and full sounding, exhibiting great sustain for a smaller violin. I like the bottom end. This is something I’d expect from a great Markneukirchen violin. The Stradivarius lower arching helps the violin produce power throughout all four of the voices. The treble strings have the same focused power that will not disappoint. Sometimes I describe the sound as having a little edge, which brings out the ringing overtones in a violin. The clarity is nice, and the violin simply speaks. A player will draw a lush and mature sound out of the instrument. A European gem perfect for the player looking for a little punch and maturity in their sound.