The original German luthiers crafted some of the most popular antique violins. Jacob Stainer, Matthias and Sebastion Klotz and Leopold Widhalm are a few of the more famous German violin craftsmen. The contributions of three of these masters to the world of music is the topic of this article.

Jacob Stainer was born in 1621 and is considered by most to be the greatest of all German violin makers. It is believed that Stainer worked with a member of the Amati family as his violin varnish is very similar to that used by the Amatis. Stainer was a good violinist in his own right which helped him achieve the tone he sought in his violins. In 1669, Stainer was accused of heresy and was asked to recant. He spent time in jail and, when released, was a poor man and could not provide for his family. He died with mental problems in 1683.

Matthias Klotz was born in 1656 and was the founder of violin making in Mittenwald. Klotz's work was influenced by Stainer. The ground on his violins has turned a dark color and the varnish is a yellow color. He died in 1743. Another member of the Klotz family, Sebastian Klotz (1696-1768), is widely considered to be the finest maker in Mittenwald. His son, Joseph Klotz, patterned his violins after those of his father.

Leopold Widhalm was born in Nuremberg in 1722. Widhalm is widely considered one of the best violin makers of his time. He is known for his use of a beautiful, glossy varnish and modeled his violins after the Stainer model. Leopold Widhald died in 1776.

All of the instruments created by the German masters of the era go for a tidy sum. If you are looking for an instrument and find one available in your price range, snap it up! You will not be disappointed with the tone or construction. Further, as long as you take care of the instrument, it will surely increase in value over the years.