Mittenwald Trade Violin, Mathias Hornsteiner circa 1880’s-90’s

click picture to enlarge

Label Reads:

Beautiful older German trade violin labeled Hornsteiner with a typical 1872 label. This Strad model trade instrument was made before the turn of the 19th century in Mittenwald, Germany. It has a two-piece flamed maple back and a two-piece spruce top with medium to wide-width grain. The grain widens toward the flanks. The hand drawn varnish is a reddish/brown all on a golden ground. The varnish is classically antiqued with natural patina and slight wear which looks fabulous. There are no issues with the instrument, and we have completely gone over the entire violin carving a new bridge, soundpost, set of ebony pegs, and adding a new tailpiece, chin rest, and end button.

Corpus 357.0 mm., Major Width 205.0 mm., Minor Width 166.0 mm., Rib Height 30.0 mm.

The sound of the instrument is worth taking notice of. The violin has power and big sustain. This instrument will carry in a concert hall. The instrument has an edginess to the sound that greatly enhances the overtones and helps make the violin ring. The violin speaks well with a slightly covered sound on the bass side. I love it. The treble strings speak well and are brilliant. The sustain on all four strings is WOW!! The violin is fun to play and has no real weak spots. The tonal qualities will attract the orchestra player as well as the serious fiddle player. The look of the violin is also a knockout. Check this violin out even if you were thinking of looking into the 4K area.