Ernst Reinhold Schmidt, master violin dated around 1910

This fine Stradivarius replica is a true masterpiece. It was built around 1910 by Ernst Reinhold Schmidt and ranks amongst the most beautiful Markneukirchen violins of its time. E. R. Schmidt was one of the internationally successful companies that influenced Markneukirchen violin making at its zenith. Fully-realised pieces such as this violin confirm that luminaries such as Schmidt — much like Ernst Heinrich Roth a generation later — fully earned their success because of their good training, solid experience and their talent as masters of their craft. The instrument can be seen as the culmination of Schmidt’s outstanding craftsmanship, beginning with the exceptionally lovely tone woods he chose. The top is of premium spruce and the two-part back is of maple with very interesting flaming that is pronounced at the upper bout and grows increasingly subtle towards the lower bout. The purfling and the scroll are carefully executed and tasteful work, as is the rich oil varnish, which has developed a great deal of character due to its luminous colouring, antique crackling and traces of use by good musicians. The violin has the original marking “E.R.S.” branded into it. Our experienced luthier set it up carefully, and this perfectly preserved, mature beauty is ready to be played. It will win you over for many reasons, not least of which is its bright sound full of overtones, a voice that is open and resonant in equal parts.

 

 

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