English Product Information
You will find English product information for many of our instruments below the German version. Just click on the instrument(s) you are interested in, and if it comes with a
[English below]
marker, just click on the Union Jack flag to jump to the language description at the bottom of each individual page. Every instrument page contains an abbreviated description of the individual model. Alternatively, you can use Google's own website translation.
On many pages on the Internet, English descriptions are based on machine-generated tranlations which are full of mistakes. Our translations are all individually provided by us to make sure they are accurate,
You want to buy a bow & case with your instrument? Click on the Zubehör tag to find a selection of different carbon fibre or wooden bows (we strongly recommend carbon fibre bows for students!), or different cases (foam or plywood shell models available). There are no English descriptions for bows and cases at the moment, but you will surely be able to deduct the information you need. Or you can simply use Google to translate the relevant page(s).
If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to contact us via chat, email (see contact form), or on the phone (landline), 069-75089737. The only stupid people are the ones who never ask questions - and, unfortunately, there's plenty of them!
We speak fluent English, so if you're from England or the US, or if English is your preferred second language, this isn't a problem for us at all. If you don't speak German or English, contact us via Email and we translate your inquiry and send you a response in your preferred language, if at all possible.
Here are a few technical terms (Fachbegriffe) in German and English:
Steg | bridge |
Saitenhalter | tailpiece |
Feinstimmer | fine tuner(s) |
Kinnhalter | chinrest |
Schulterstütze | shoulder rest |
Wirbel | pegs |
Schnecke | scroll |
Stimmstock | sound post |
Zargen | ribs |
Knopf | end pin |
Obersattel | nut |
Hals | neck |
Saiten | strings |
Knopf | end pin |
Wirbelkasten | peg box |
Historical Perspective: Violin Making in England
The history of violin making in England dates back several centuries, but it began to gain prominence in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. While England may not have the same level of renown as Italy for violin making, it has nonetheless made significant contributions to the craft.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, London emerged as a center for violin making, with skilled craftsmen producing instruments that were highly regarded throughout Europe. Some notable English violin makers from this period include Barak Norman, Peter Wamsley, and Benjamin Banks. These makers often drew inspiration from Italian models but also developed their own distinctive styles.
The 19th century saw continued activity in violin making in England, although it was overshadowed by the dominance of Italian makers in the international market. However, makers like George Craske and William Forster III continued to produce high-quality instruments that were valued by musicians.
In the 20th century, English violin making experienced a revival, with makers such as Alfred Vincent and William Luff continuing the tradition of craftsmanship. The founding of the British Violin Making Association in 1950 further helped to promote the art and craft of violin making in the country.
Today, England remains home to a vibrant community of violin makers, with both traditional and contemporary makers producing instruments of exceptional quality. While Italian and other European makers still hold considerable sway in the world of violin making, English makers continue to contribute to the rich tapestry of violin making tradition.