Books › The arts and crafts book of the worshipful Guild of violin-makers of Markneukirchen, from the year 1677 to the year 1772, 1894 › scan 35
Scan 35
The arts and crafts book of the worshipful Guild of violin-makers of Markneukirchen, from the year 1677 to the year 1772, 1894
6 lines. Read by computer on 29 August 2026. Printed page 27. See the scan on archive.org.
1which any superficial treatment or insufficiently clever imitation was calculated to shape?
3It being well understood that all within the privileged Guild knew how to distinguish between generally artistic and common work, and that the Guild only offered as first-class work, instruments which they knew to have been wrought with the greatest care and skill, combined with the use of best materials only, not only were the interests of the Guild served, but also of those of the buyers.
5Under these circumstances, the manufacture of musical instruments was in a position to flourish and make strides. Had free trade, as it has existed among us, for some decennia past, existed at the time in which we write it would undoubtedly have rendered such a branch of industry as that of the manufacture of stringed instruments impossible as a means of livelihood. Whilst the good comradeship existing in the Guild made it easier for beginners in the art to obtain a trustworthy education in the requirements of their calling, it certainly made the acquisition of the art cheaper, simpler, and more likely to be tried with success by the isolated member than if he had gone his own solitary way independently. Apart, however, from the few delicate nuances and superficial fads of construction such as are and must be customary in the highly-developed art of violin-making [as it was practised in Cremona] they had to keep on the whole to the fundamental rules of construction laid down by the great inventor,
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.