Labelled Josef Klotz - 3/4 - - Violine - 1800

Instrument Overview:

1. Kind of Wood:
• The top plate is made of spruce.
• The back, sides, and neck are made of maple.

2. Wood Quality:
• The spruce top has a fine, straight grain.
• The maple back shows a well-defined flame pattern.

3. Varnish:
• The varnish is a warm, amber color with a glossy finish.

4. Purfling:
• The purfling is hand-inlaid and precise.

5. F-holes:
• The f-holes are cleanly cut with smooth edges and follow traditional patterns.

6. Fingerboard and Tailpiece:
• The fingerboard is made of ebony.
• The tailpiece is also ebony, featuring four fine tuners.

7. Bridge:
• The bridge is well-fitted with appropriate height and curvature.

8. Strings and Setup:
• The strings are modern steel or synthetic core strings.
• The overall setup is proper and ready to play.

9. The Scroll:
• The scroll is well-carved with clean, symmetrical volutes.

10. Interesting Features:
• The violin label inside reads “Copy of Josef Klotz.”

11. Damage:
• There are no visible signs of significant damage or cracks.
• The varnish shows minor wear.

12. Included with the Violin:
• The violin comes with a vintage case that has a green, patterned interior.

Construction and Style:

F-Holes:

• Type of F-Holes: The f-holes on this violin are typical of the classical style, characterized by their elegant curves and symmetry. These are likely influenced by the designs used by renowned makers from the late Baroque and early Classical periods.

Build Style:

• Model: The violin is labeled as a “Copy of Josef Klotz.” Josef Klotz was a German violin maker from Mittenwald, a town known for its long tradition of violin making. Klotz’s instruments were influenced by the Tyrolean school of violin making, which itself drew from the Italian methods.

• Influences: The Klotz family, including Josef Klotz, was heavily influenced by the early Cremonese makers such as Amati, Stradivari, and Guarneri. These influences are evident in the overall shape, arching, and f-hole design of the violin.

Original Builders and Their Influence:

Josef Klotz:

• Background: Josef Klotz was part of the Klotz family, a significant lineage in the history of German violin making. The Klotz family started with Matthias Klotz (1653-1743), who is considered the founder of the Mittenwald school of violin making.

• Techniques and Characteristics: Klotz violins are known for their elegant and precise craftsmanship.

They typically feature:
• High-quality spruce tops and maple backs.
• Carefully inlaid purfling.
• Warm, reddish-brown varnish.
• Gracefully carved scrolls.

Mittenwald School:

• Characteristics: The Mittenwald school, established by Matthias Klotz, is known for its adherence to traditional methods combined with regional influences. Instruments from this school often display:

• A slightly broader body.
• Richly flamed maple for the back and sides.
• A bright, clear tone favored by many players.

Methods and Techniques:

• Handcrafted: This violin, as a copy of Josef Klotz’s work, is likely handcrafted, reflecting the meticulous methods used by the original Mittenwald makers.
• Materials: The use of high-quality tonewoods such as spruce for the top and flamed maple for the back and sides is a hallmark of the Klotz style.
• Varnishing: The varnish application is done with great care to enhance both the appearance and the acoustic properties of the instrument.
• Setup: The attention to the setup, including the fitting of the bridge, the alignment of the fingerboard, and the placement of the soundpost, ensures optimal sound production.

Label Inside:

• Text on Label: “Copy of Josef Klotz” suggests that this violin is modeled after the designs of Josef Klotz.
• Implication: The label indicates that while this violin is not an original Klotz, it follows the stylistic and construction principles laid down by Josef Klotz and his predecessors.


Length of the body: 34 cm
Width of the upper bout: 15.5 cm
Width of the middle bout: 11 cm
Width of the lower bout: 19 cm
Rib height: around 3 cm
String length: around 30 cm
Total length (including the neck and scroll): 58 cm




Packaging and Shipping:
Our commitment extends beyond the auction. The instrument will be professionally packaged and shipped within 3 workdays after payment, to ensure its safe journey to your doorstep. PostNL/DHL/DPD/UPS shipping options are available, tailored to your location you will always get the cheapest option, worldwide.

We understand the importance of a seamless process, and our team is dedicated to making your acquisition a worry-free experience.

Damages:
There are several scratches on the violin due to its age.

Warranty:
Your satisfaction is important to us. This violin comes with a full warranty as per Catawiki’s terms and conditions.

Notice:
Pictures in this auction are part of the description.