Books › A treatise on the structure and preservation of the violin and all other bow-instruments; together with an account of the most celebrated makers, and of the genuine characteristics of their instruments;, 1860 › scan 33
Scan 33
A treatise on the structure and preservation of the violin and all other bow-instruments; together with an account of the most celebrated makers, and of the genuine characteristics of their instruments;, 1860
12 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 11. See the scan on archive.org.
1Bachmann, of Berlin, was one of the most celebrated German makers; and as his instruments have already attained a considerable age, they rank next in point of quality to the Cremonese. They are very correct in their proportions, and, though made rather too strong than otherwise, wood of the best quality has been used for them; so that one of his violins is even preferable to a Cremonese which has fallen into unskilful hands, such as I shall describe at length in treating of the rules to be observed in repairing.
3Straube, of Berlin, was also an excellent workman. I have seen only a few of his instruments, but those were very good. From his constant occupation in repairing old instruments, he has probably not made many new ones.
5Schmidt, of Cassel, has, at the present day (1817), made some very beautiful violins in imitation of those by Straduarius, which in process of time may become excellent, if they do not get spoiled before they arrive at their best.*
7first, the position of the neck and finger-board, the height of the bridge and that of the strings above the finger-board, with regard to the convenience of playing; and secondly, the situation of the bridge and sound-post, their strength and height, as also the choice of wood for them, with reference to the tone of the instrument." See the translator's edition of Spohr's School, published by Messrs. Cocks and Co—Tr.
9* The following additional particulars of this maker are given in the more recent German edition:—
11"Besides Bachmann, Schmidt, of Cassel, has perhaps most successfully approached his model. His instruments, it is true, are not altogether satisfactory in their construction, but they can easily be brought into correct proportions. Owing to their illusive similarity many of his old instruments have already been sold under the name of Straduarius. Although fine in the wood, they are still cognisable; the
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