- Knilling Cello Serial Numbers
- Knilling Violin Models
- Karl Knilling Violin Serial Numbers
- Knilling Cello Models
July 8, 2011 at 11:59 PM ·
Though I bought my violin in 1990 I only fiddled around with it (Celtic) for about a year before life took me away from it.
Due to a winning bid at a silent auction for a violin lesson I have taken up the violin again (about 4 months now). After a neck lift, new bridge and a bow re-hair, I am happy with my violin.
Over the years I have been told that I should have been a musicologist and I have a great interest in instruments. So it is not surprising that I have also become very interested in violins, especially mine.
Karl Knilling Cello Serial Numbers 9/19/2019 One of my Mother's friends gave me a Karl Knilling Voilin for free, because it was just gathering dust in his attic. Karl Knilling Cello Serial Numbers. Posted on 4/26/2019 by admin. Knilling Summit Violin Price; Karl Knilling Bass; Knilling Cello Models. This auction is for a KARL KNILLING 4/4 violin in the original hard case.The violin is marked on the inside KARL KNILLING 18275 6KF made in germany.It comes with a glasser bow.The violin measures 23 1/2' long.The bow measures 29' long.The violin looks in good condition.There is a little wear on the sides.There are no cracks or splits.The case.
What I find amazing is that with all the resources I can find no information on my violin. I know that the instrument was at a consignment store, but it looks near mint and was very poorly adjusted when I bought it. The store contacted a luthier and knocked off the cost of adjustment, though that was lowering the bridge, the neck lift was two decades later.
Can anyone tell me how I can find out when my instrument was made. I do not think there is even a model associated with it. All the label says is
I have made two request through Knilling's contact page. They have never responded. I have asked around but I really do not want to pay $45 just to know when my violin was made?
Does anyone know where I can search for this type of information?
Replies (5)
July 9, 2011 at 12:32 AM ·
Not sure if it's possible to find out when a trade violin is made based on a serial number though.
July 9, 2011 at 01:33 AM ·
Hi Patrick, Great question.
Knilling is the bowed string instrument division of St. Louis Music, which imports instruments from many different factories and workshops from around the world. Knilling instruments are often found in music stores and rental programs, but do tend to be good instruments. Most of the student-level instruments did have serial numbers on the label to make it easy for companies that rent them to keep track of the violin, but the labels were not dated.
The exact serial number in your violin is pretty much meaningless as far as a production date, because those labels were applied inside the violins after they were imported--often left to the dealer to insert (or not). What is more important in identifying your violin is the model number. The most common models at that time were the German-made #8 and #10 models, which were used extensively in rental programs. Back in the 1980's and '90's, most of the #8 Knilling violins came from the Klier factory, while the #10 violins originated in the Hofner factory. Even though your label states 'handmade,' it is most likely a factory-produced instrument. If you can post a picture, I might be able to tell you what you've got. Generally speaking, the #8 models were a dark reddish-brown color with spirit varnish that tended to chip and scratch easily--but properly set-up, they sounded pretty decent. The #10 models were more of an orange color with a bullet-proof poly-ureathane finish, and a mediocre sound (because they were made heavy and then encased in a thick, plastic finish).
Knilling did offer higher models as well, such as the #30 and #34, and these were higher-level German-made instruments that were intended to be marketed to advancing students coming out of a rental program.
Josh Henry, Bow Maker & Restorer
www.FineViolinBows.com
July 9, 2011 at 06:11 PM ·
I have created an album on Photobucket with pictures of the violin (http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e214/tinneyp/Knilling%20Violin%202396/ or http://tinyurl.com/5tzdgam).
The detail of the lower back shows the one chipped area in the finish. This like the broken upper edge of the chin rest was there when I bought it.
During that first year of playing 'fiddle' back in 1990 I never was able to hear the violin. I lived in an apartment and used a heavy mute. For a while I started each practice with long and loud open strings and recently double strings and the instrument does seem to be opening up.
Some day I will want to upgrade but my seven year old son has started to express an interest in both the violin and the flute (my flutes are wood and have zero to four keys, mainly one). I will be discussing his training with my teacher at my lesson this Thursday. I am very excited about his interest. He is a great singer.
Thank you for looking at my violin.
Knilling Cello Serial Numbers
Pat T.
July 9, 2011 at 11:52 PM ·
Hi Patrick,
The violin in the pictures really does look to me like one of the Hofner factory violins that Knilling marketed as their model #10. The orange appearance, glossy finish, finish masking lines on the neck, and the complete lack of flaming in the wood are some of the traits of this model. To get back to your original question--When could it have been made? -- The general appearance of the Knilling #10 violin remained nearly unchanged between the mid-1980s and the mid-1990's. It is possible that it was made earlier, but I doubt it. Your violin does look to be in great shape, and I hope you enjoy playing it again!
Josh Henry
July 10, 2011 at 02:29 AM ·
Thank you so much.
Having heard the Hofner name since the 60’s it is exciting to know there may be a family tie with my violin.
My feeling was that the seller had picked up the violin from a store that was going out of business, it still looks almost new. I bought it in September of 1990, so mid to late 80s sound right.
I do think the luthier at Blackerby Violin Shop did a nice job of setting up my violin and it is starting to sound nice (I didn’t like it for a while, but that was probably me). He didn’t think he could get the projection up as high as he would have liked without losing the edge extension near the neck so it has a low heart bridge.
I find it hard to believe that there are louder violins, sometimes when I have had a good practice and ended with some fiddle tunes my left ear feels abused. So this little jewel is definitely opening up.
I do want to try better strings now that I can keep the bow straight. But right now my next step is to cash in my father’s day / birthday (August) present; a new bow.
I really appreciate this forum and I especially enjoyed learning about the two factories and the different natures of their products. I am looking forward to spending more time reading through the various topics. I am thoroughly enjoying learning about violins.
Again thank you.
Pat T.
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5 best Knilling violins review can help you to choose the right violin for your skill and comfort level.
Karl Knilling instruments were originally made in Germany and exported to global distributors. The Knilling String Music company was founded in 1922.
Today most of the Knillings are made in Korea or China but they are made under the same stringent guidelines that were set forth with the inception of the company.
Knillings are often associated with student music programs but most people do not realize the amount of work that goes into each Knilling.
Although the majority of the Knilling violinsare factory created, the bridge on every Knilling is hand carved for an exact fit for height and spacing of the strings.
Each bridge is fitted individually because each top is a bit different. Knilling instruments are all made to exceed specifications that have been established by the Music Educators National Knilling Custom 38 Shop Adjustment Conference. Every groove in the bridge is lubricated individually to ensure smooth passage.
Knilling ensures that every bridge is prepared to produce vibrations as they are meant to be. It is not only the bridge that gets special attention. Each peg is individually lubricated and hand fitted.
The pegs are rounded and flush fitted for a nice professional looking finish. The pegs are made from a high end ebony. The pegs are built to last. They are durable and made to prevent shrinkage in the peg hole.
Many students struggle with tuning and using the pegs but Knilling (because they are well known for making student violins) have gone one step further with the pegs and ensure that each peg is well lubricated and will not shrink over time.
The string holes are drilled individually. Steel strings are used on most models but they can easily be replaced with other options if you choose. German made hardware is used on every single Knilling to ensure a precision fit.
Every violin has a patented Buschman tuner to protect the instrument from damage from the tuner and in case the tailpiece is accidentally collapsed.
Most people do not expect the quality that they receive from Knilling because of their affiliation with student music programs and their low cost.
Knilling actually offers a wide range of violins at many different price points. Yes, they are best known for their affordable student kits but they also offer some high end models as well.
They have been creating violins for many years and to say that this company is an expert at manufacturing quality violins would not be a stretch.
Knilling affords everyone an opportunity to own a violin by keeping violins affordable. Of course if you are an experienced player there are plenty of options for you as well.
The quality that is offered at the affordable prices is simply amazing. You can easily pay two to three times more for a violin that will not offer you any more playability.
This affordable well-known violin brand has been producing string instruments long enough to know what works and what does not. They put a great deal of attention into every violin before it ever leaves their hands.
Many people do not consider the Knilling violins as “serious” violins but they could not be more wrong. Just because they are offered at a price point to make them affordable to everyone does not mean that they quality is not there!
Sometimes you can find a great quality instrument at an affordable price like the ones that Knilling Violins have to offer.
They are a great option that have a great reputation for being well-built and offering a remarkable sound for the money.
We choose violins from different price points to determine the best options that would give you the widest price point to choose from.
Here are the 5 best Knilling reviews:
Knilling School Model 4/4 Violin Outfit
This by far is the most popular Knilling model, at least it is the most sold model that Knilling makes. This model offers a spruce top with even grain and a solid maple back that is carved.
It has graduated solid inlaid purfling. Just like very Knilling it offers solid ebony pegs. It has a solid bridge made of maple.
The synthetic tailpiece has built in tuners for added durability and ease of use. It comes with a shaped case and cover.
The case is fully lined and has a two bow compartment for easy organization. This is a very affordable violin and is ideal for any novice.
Knilling Bucharest Model 4/4 Violin Outfit
This model is made using a Bavarian spruce top that has been well aged and that has an even grain. The seasoned wood offers a great sound.
The solid maple back comes from old growth European maple. It offers a solid construction with inlaid purfling. The entire violin trim, fingerboard, tailpiece, saddle, pegs and nut are all in ebony.
There are 4 Buschman string adjusters. It comes complete with a thermoplastic case that is has an aluminum valance. The case is fully lined and polished and has a covered accessory compartment.
Included is a Glasser fiberglass bow with an ebonite frog that is fully lined. This model is a little more expensive than the school model but it is largely still very affordable.
Knilling Maestro Model 4/4 Violin Outfit
This model is in line with the Bucharest model. The pricing is similar but this model has a few upgrades which mostly are concerned with appearance.
Of course the pricing is a bit higher because you get a few upgrades. It offers a Spruce top that is even grained and a flamed solid maple back. It is finished in antiquated varnish. It offers a Hillstyle pegs and tailpiece and a Guarneri-style chinrest.
This model has a German maple bridge and E string adjuster. It offers Pro Arte core strings that are synthetic. It comes complete with a deluxe case and cover that includes 4 bow compartments and 3 accessory sections.
The bow is half lined and made of Brazilwood with a frog made of ebony. The bow is made with horsehair.
Knilling Sinfonia Model 4/4 Violin Outfit
This model offers a maple back, Spruce top and is solid carved. It has the inlaid purfling. It offers a German made bridge made of maple and all trim is made of Ebony including the chin rest.
Knilling Violin Models
The violin comes complete with a thermoplastic case that has an aluminum valance with the hardware mounted on the valance. The case is fully lined with an accessory compartment and 2 bow holsters.
Knilling Perfection Violin
Knilling Perfection I Violin Outfit 4/4
Karl Knilling Violin Serial Numbers
This is an affordable option that is made of the same great woods that are used in the higher end models. This model comes complete with a lightweight case that has room for 2 bows and an accessory compartment.
This model offers the Perfection Pegs that make tuning easy for even the novice. With the Perfection Pegs tuning happens in seconds. This is an excellent choice for the beginner and is a top seller. It comes complete with a natural horse hair bow.
Knilling Perfection II Violin Outfit 4/4
This is a step up from the Perfection I. It offers the perfection pegs that are easy to tune and remain stable so daily tuning become less of a chore.
The pegs are made from durable ebony. The back is German maple and the front is Spruce. This is a durable violin that is a great option for advanced students. The Perfection Pegs are heralded as a great training tool.
Typically one of the hardest tasks there is when playing is the time it takes to tune your violin. The Knilling Perfection II Violin makes tuning a breeze which encourages more practice time.
Conclusion
Knilling violins have long been heralded as some of the best teaching instruments there are but little recognition is given to their higher end models because the student models seemingly take up so much of the attention.
When you purchase a Knilling violin you know that you are buying an instrument that comes from a company with a long history of creating reliable, beautiful instruments that have an excellent sound and are that are durable.
Whether you choose one of the advanced student models or even a child’s practice model you can rest assured that you are getting an instrument that has years and years of craftsmanship behind it.
Knilling Cello Models
The 5 best Knilling Violins reviews can help you to make an informed decision and ensure that you find an instrument that you will love.