Conrad A. Götz jr. Violin Wernitgrun, Markneukirchen Violin Deutschland 1934 -CURRENTY OUT ON TRIAL-

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Markneukirchen violins are some of the most renowned violins ever made. The Markneukirchen region in Germany, sometimes referred to as Musikwinkel or Music Corner, is known around the world for the exceptional musical instruments that have been produced there for centuries. Throughout history there have been many fine violin makers in the region. We currently have or had in the shop instruments from Knorr, Glasel, Gutter, Heberlein, Schmidt, Todt, and Roth. We have a very nice selection of Markneukirchen instruments and bows. Some with age and others relatively new in their origin.

In 1677, the Violin Makers’ Guild was founded by Markneukirchen luthiers. By the 19th century, it is estimated that approximately 18,000 violins were being produced in the area every year. Markneukirchen violins became very popular in the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The G. A. Götz jr. company is still operating today. It began 130 years ago by the current owner’s great grandfather Conrad August Götz.

We have a gorgeous Markneukirchen violin in excellent condition made in 1934. The violin was made for the G.A. Götz jr. firm in Wernitzgrun – as special section of the town of Markneukirchen, Germany. The violin is signed and has the C.A.G. Schutz mark (trademark) on the left of the label. Götz himself, and the company, which was founded in 1884, were not violin makers. The firm hired some of the best makers in the area, of which there were many, to make handmade instruments to be sold in his family business. This is one of those violins. We thoroughly went over the entire violin and gave the instrument a new bridge, soundpost, cambered the board, and cut a new nut. The violin is ready to be played on for another century.

The violin is gorgeous: European tonewoods, one piece maple back with matching ribs, neck, and scroll, ebony fittings, and a 200-year-old piece of maple for the bridge. German craftsmanship, clean and crisp lines, straight grain almost perfect spruce for the top, and beautiful Strad arching and framework. Yup, the bones are great on this violin, meaning the inside construction you don’t see but to a maker makes all of the difference in the world to the overall sound of the violin.

Corpus 358.0 mm., Major Width 207.0 mm., Minor Width 167.0 mm., Rib Height 30.5 mm tapering to 30 at the neck.

The sound resonates on the instrument. Just a touch and it responds. It has no trouble with sustain or power in the sound. The violin will open up and get even better the more the instrument is played. It still feels like a perfect new violin – but it is almost 100 years old. I believe this was old stock lying dormant in a European shop for years before I found it. The sound has depth and character on the low end with a little bit of meatiness. The treble strings ring and caused me to really appreciate the character of the violin’s sound. Enjoy the treble side, dwell on the large resonant bottom, and try this violin out. It will grab you.