Johann Georg Kessler Violin – Markneukirchen circa 1897

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We have a German made violin by Johann Georg Kessler. The violin was made in Markneukirchen, the German hub for instrument making and learning. Markneukirchen was a major hub of making and apprenticeship learning from the late 1600’s on. Our violin was made in the late 19th century and features a two-piece maple back plate, ribs, neck, and scroll. The spruce top is a beautiful even grain spruce, very consistent and straight grained. The fittings are rosewood with ebony pins and collars. The varnish, amber golden hues of brown, is hand drawn and show signs of natural playing wear and patina. It is in very good condition. It has a classic old look and is in very good condition.

Corpus 358.0 mm., Major Width 206.0 mm., Minor Width 169.0 mm., Rib Height 29.0 mm – 30.0 mm

The violin has a deep and powerful sound on the bass side. It is more than a rich, it is warm and mature. It leans towards darker colors. The violin has nice sustain and can handle laying into the violin. The treble side is sweet and not so bright, which I like. The overall sound is engaging and full of color. The overtones ring well and this instrument doesn’t carry any real edginess to the tone. Simple and sweet is how I categorize the sound. A far different instrument than a new violin made in the last decade. The violin is easy to play and lays very well. Are you looking for a violin to get you noticed in an orchestra setting or for a violin to play in church? This violin might be your next instrument.