Paul Knorr Markneukirchen 1942 Violin- Gorgeous!

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P * K
Paul Knorr
Markneukirchen
Anno 1942

Paul Knorr (1882 -1977) was one of the most famous violin makers in Markneukirchen in the 20th century. He was a student of his father Albert Knorr senior and also of Max Dölling. His professional career took him to Breslau, in Heinrich Gütter’s shop. Later, from 1906-1918 he worked in Berlin with Robert Beyer and with various Berlin masters. Here he developed his restoration skills and got to study many fine Italian instruments. In 1921 Paul Knorr began his own shop in Markneukirchen. He is known for producing instruments of old Italian masters. His work modelled Stradivari, Guarneri del Gesú, and Amati, but also copied Stainer and Klotz. His knife work in carving plates, f holes and scrolls are very distinctive. His impeccable hand work also carried over to his varnish technique and final look on his instruments. The violin is a great representation of the quality and workmanship found in Markneukirchen, which was the hub of instrument making for over three centuries.

Our 83-year-old Paul Knorr violin is a classic look, a beautiful example of his Stradivarius model. The violin is slightly grand in its modeling, for sure the wood is outstanding, and the craftsmanship is a Wow! The instrument has a highly flamed one-piece maple back with matching ribs, neck, and scroll. The medium-width back flame is stunning. The top plate is two-piece fine-width grain spruce. The violin has an orange/reddish oil varnish hand drawn, all on a golden ground. The violin is tastefully antiqued. The violin has been meticulously gone over in our workshop and receive an entirely new set up. The violin carries with it the Paul Knorr label and the large P * K branded on the inside back above the label.

Corpus 359.0 mm., Major Width 211.0 mm., Minor Width 170.0 mm., Rib Height 30.0 mm

The violin is powerful and responsive. It has an even response on all four strings. The G and D have strength, and the sound almost jumps off the bow. The instrument has guts with a slight touch of warmth on the bottom end. I find a great response happens off the bottom strings because of the overtones an instrument produces. The central core area is crisp and strong too. The sound carries well way up into higher positions. The E string sings out with a powerful clear voice, there is no tinny sound coming out of this instrument. The violin leans slightly to a darker side of the spectrum and the response is immediate. The violin projects, which is evident once you stroke the strings. I love the sound and the color of the sound, a bit sophisticated even for me, a Ford and Chevy player playing on a Mercedes, Rolls Royce instrument. It is always about sound; in this case the instrument has historical significance as well. The violin is in very good condition, ready for another generation to cherish, and is looking forward to a player’s hands making it sing.