Max König, Munich, rare violin dated 1907

This unusually lovely Guarneri replica is a 1907 piece by Max König from Munich; it is one of the earlier instruments crafted at the workshop he established in 1904. Born in Markneukirchen, the Saxonian centre of violin making, Max König studied under Richard Mönning before wandering through Europe for 16 years, working with prominent masters in Germany, England, Ireland and Switzerland. It was in Munich that he ultimately made an excellent name for himself as a restorer, and historically he is mentioned in the same breath as the great Giuseppe Fiorini. The sterling reputation he earned is evident in this fine violin: Max König reproduced Guarneri's major historic template with astounding fidelity, both from a musical and an aesthetic perspective. The moderately-grained spruce and deeply flamed maple he selected for the top and the two-piece back respectively are top-tier tone woods with especially fine tonal properties. An attractive, reddish-brown varnish on a golden-yellow base coat is a skilful allusion to the appealing appearance of old Guarneri instruments a visual promise that is more than fulfilled by the large, mature sound with an distinctive and authentic character. After having been thoroughly set up by our restorers, it is now ready to play. We recommend this perfectly preserved instrument to demanding musicians: it is a highly interesting specimen of Bavarian violin making with a rich voice.

 

 

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