Archive

More detailed information about stringed instruments and the history of violin making.

The violin bow: a brief depiction of its history

The violin: How to select a violin, provenance, value and appraisal

Mirecourt’s new masters: contemporary violin making in Mirecourt

Stephan von Baehr and the architecture of the violin

The Baroque violin – more than catgut strings

Mirecourt: the spacious home of French violin making

Crossing borders: on the history of violin making in western Bohemia

From the estate of Prof. Günter Szkokan: Edwin Lothar Herrmann, silver mounted German viola bow

In the context of the Vogtland region's multifaceted bow-making tradition, the Herrmann name stands for a veritable dynasty of excellent master craftsmen dating back to the early 18th century. This fine E. L. Herrmann viola bow from the estate of Prof. Günter Szkokan (violist of Vienna Philharmonics) features the family crest on the frog as a self-confident expression of their standing, and Edwin Lothar Herrmann's original stamp can be seen on the stick. It is clearly a masterpiece in the style which was prevalent in the 1950/1960s, and it is probably one of E. L. Herrmann's late pieces; until 1960 he worked under his own name but remained at his father's atelier in Markneukirchen-Schönlind. The octagonal stick of dark reddish-brown pernambuco is of medium strength. Its well-crafted head reflects Edwin Lothar Herrmann's talent and the good training he received from his father and grandfather. The ebony frog with silver mountings is decorated by a mother-of-pearl eye, a white slide and a three-part button. Its balance point is at 26.0 cm (including the button) and is perceived as being in the upper half of the total length of 74.2 cm. The viola bow weighs 67.5 g and has wonderful playing characteristics. It is in outstanding condition, with only a minor flaw on the lower edge of the frog. With its large, warm, dark sound, it is worthy of our special recommendation. Prof. Günter Szkokan selected it with his fine 1973 Viennese viola by Ferdinand Kugler, that is available for purchase as well.