1/2 – sized Vogtland violin by Johann Keller

This ½-sized violin by Johann Keller was built around 1930 in Landwüst, a small village near Markneukirchen. Many violin makers in this region are hardly known by name, since their pieces were sold under the brand of larger ateliers and merchants. With this small instrument, however, Johann Keller produced a noteworthy example of his art; it is rare to find violins of this size which feature work of comparable quality and a strong sound with so much character. Keller patterned the instrument after a very distinctive model with a flat and well-structured arch und elegant sound holes. The violin has a luminous, transparent orange oil varnish over the spruce top with its distinctive wide grain and the maple back with its lovely and irregular texture. This is a highly recommended Vogtland violin in undamaged, perfect condition: it has a warm, bright sound which has a gentle nuance in the lower registers.