Rare Mittenwald violin by Balthasar Klotz

This elegant violin perfectly captures the Mittenwald tradition of violin making; it shares the good properties that define the instruments which hail from the dynasty of violin makers founded by Mathias Klotz. As the original label confirms, it was crafted in the studio of Franz Balthasar Klotz (7 March 1854 - 7 May 1936), a direct ancestor of Sebastian Klotz; Sebastian, a son of the legendary Mathias Klotz, is considered by modern researchers to be the true founder of the Klotz tradition. Balthasar Klotz worked for the highly respected Neuner & Hornsteiner atelier until 1888, and in 1890 he opened his own shop; this particular instrument was made there around 1900. The selection of materials alone — "moon wood" harvested in the Karwendel mountains during a particular lunar phase — reflects the meticulousness with which this instrument was made. The purfling and the large typically Mittenwald-style scroll are cleanly executed. The transparent and heavily applied golden-yellow varnish has developed a beautiful patina and has traces of use that match its age. This violin's powerful ringing voice is bright and full of overtones, resonant across all of the strings — a magnificent tribute to its heritage. We offer this instrument in undamaged and perfectly uncracked condition with a new bridge, sound post and strings as well as an appraisal by Mittenwald violin maker Anton Sprenger.