Sebastian Klotz: Fine Mittenwald violin dated circa 1750 (certificate by Hieronymus Köstler)

This historic Mittenwald violin which Sebastian Klotz crafted in the mid-18th century is a rare antique which reflects the utmost in musical and artisanal splendour. It represents the mature oeuvre of this influential master who has always lagged behind his father Matthias in terms of his historical standing; in reality however, he was actually at least his father’s equal, and scholars have long since considered him to be the true forefather of the distinctive Klotz violin. With the original Jacobus Stainer label Sebastian often used, this violin pays homage to the predominant violin model of its day, yet in its exquisitely painstaking craftsmanship, it illustrates the full scope of Klotz' talent, his outstanding training and the confident and innovative strengths of the master who shaped Mittenwald violin making for generations to come. His choice of subtlely grained tone woods can be regarded an aesthetic understatement and demonstrates his uncompromising orientation towards optimal acoustic properties, which explains the rare tonal quality of this violin. Showing the same care with which he applied the purfling, Sebastian Klotz crafted the tables of the body so as to produce this instrument’s large, warm and voluminous sound with its mature and slightly sweet character and its radiantly lovely voice. After having undergone a restoration performed with the greatest sensitivity and care, this extremely interesting Sebastian Klotz violin is now in top condition and ready to play. Its provenance and the Mittenwald origin of the scroll which was later replaced are both confirmed via a certificate issued by Hieronymus Köstler, the renowned Stuttgart expert for historic stringed instruments.