The original German luthiers crafted some of the most popular antique violins. Jacob Stainer, Matthias and Sebastion Klotz and Leopold Widhalm are a few of the more famous German violin craftsmen. The contributions of three of these masters to the world of music is the topic of this article.

The man who is most often considered the greatest of all the German violin makers was Jacob Stainer who was born in 1621. It is very likely that Stainer worked with someone from the Amati violin family, because the varnish he used on his violins was very similar to that used by the Amatis. Stainer was able to achieve a fantastic tone in his violins, probably helped by the fact that he was a competent violinist in his own right. Unfortunately, in 1669 Stainer was arrested for heresy which he would not refute. After spending time in jail, he found his fortunes gone and his family impoverished. Unable to raise himself from this situation, Stainer developed mental difficulties and died in 1683.

Matthias Klotz was born in 1656 and was the founder of violin making in Mittenwald. Klotz’s work was influenced by Stainer. The ground on his violins has turned a dark color and the varnish is a yellow color. He died in 1743. Another member of the Klotz family, Sebastian Klotz (1696-1768), is widely considered to be the finest maker in Mittenwald. His son, Joseph Klotz, patterned his violins after those of his father.

Leopold came into the world in Germany a bit after the turn of the eighteenth century. Many people think that he was the most talented violin artisan of the period. The wood, combined with the stain and shape made the instrument unique. He left us at just a bit more than 50 years of age.

All of the instruments created by the German masters of the era go for a tidy sum. If you are looking for an instrument and find one available in your price range, snap it up! You will not be disappointed with the tone or construction. Further, as long as you take care of the instrument, it will surely increase in value over the years.

Ye Old Violin Shop features dozens of German violins, as well as fiddles from Italian, French, and other luthiers. Be sure to visit the new violin forum too!

- Daniel Wright