Jacob Steiner, violin maker of Absam, Austria

Tail with "Steiner" carved angels

Hole for end pin

Bridge fitted for violin "belly"

Tapered end pin

Maybe a black chin rest?

Sound post before insertion

Or a matching gold chin rest?

Strings!

Jacob Steiner, 1617-1683, was an early instrument maker NOT from what is now called Italy! He worked at the same time as the Amatis' in Cremona and his instruments were renown for spectacular sound and great workmanship. It is said he traveled to the workshop of the Amatis' to learn his craft! His success made him "Imperial servant" to the Holy Roman Emperor, Leopold I! I choose this as one of the historically significant" makers because of the arching of the front and back, a much greater arching than the later Strad type constructions. This should give the mellow, sonorous sound characteristic of these early instruments! Perfect for chamber music occasions and performances of "period music". Several of his instruments are preserved in the Tiroler Landesmuseum Innsbruck.

I have completed the instrument " in the white" by April, 2011, and have carefully applied 12 coats of antiqued gold oil varnish. It is now ready for fit-up.