Wolfgang Römer Amati Copy Markneukirchen circa 1930

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Markneukirchen violins are some of the most renowned violins ever made. The Markneukirchen region in Germany 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. 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. We have or had in the shop instruments from Knorr, Glasel, Gutter, Heberlein, Schmidt, Todt, and Roth. We have a good selection of Markneukirchen instruments and bows; some with age and others relatively new in their origin. Markneukirchen violins became very popular in the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Our violin falls into that timeline.

We have a gorgeous Amati model Markneukirchen violin in good condition made around 1930. We thoroughly went over the entire violin and gave the instrument a new set up. The instrument has gorgeous European tonewoods, a one-piece maple back with matching ribs, neck, and scroll, ebony fittings, and a 200-year-old piece of maple for the bridge. The craftsmanship is clean with crisp lines and straight grain. The top grain is fine at the center seam and broadens ever so slightly at each of the outer flanks. The arching is not very high, which is nice for the instrument to retain power. This violin has nice bones, meaning the inside construction you don’t see but a maker gives special attention to, which makes a huge difference to the overall sound of the violin.

Corpus 356.0 mm., Major Width 205.0 mm., Minor Width 165.0 mm., Rib Height 29.0 mm tapering to 28.0 at the neck

The sound resonates on the instrument. Just a touch and it responds. The sustain and power are awesome on the instrument. The violin will loosen up and get even better the more the instrument is played. The instrument feels like a new violin ready to explode with goodness. It is more than 90 years old. When this violin gets played more it will respond amazingly well. I love the bottom end, and the treble side sits up and wants to be noticed too. The treble strings ring, not shouting. Enjoy the treble side, dwell on the bass side, and try this violin out.