Violin - Copy of Antonio Stradivari Made in West Germany

Your Question:
I am caring for a violin of a dear friend of mine while she's away.  She has had it for 30 years, and the inside has a sticker that says "Copy of Antonio Stradivari, Made in West Germany".  Then a smaller sticker says "Otto Stein v-933".  I was wondering if you had any information regarding the maker.  Also, should I have it reconditioned in some way for her or would that devalue the instrument?

Scroll

My Answer:
After extensive research I was unable to find any information on Otto Stein.  My guess is that is either a trade name (a name of a fictitious maker used usually used to distinguish a particular model of student instrument) or perhaps a dealer who added a shop label to this instrument.

Copy of Antonio Stradivari West Germany

In examining the wood selection used for the top and particularly used for the back, neck and scroll in addition to the quality of varnish and overall workmanship, my conclusion is that this is a student grade instrument made circa 1950-1970.  The West Germany label helps to date this violin as Germany was divided between East and West starting July 1st, 1945 and the Reunification started in 1990.  Thus providing an age span for instruments bearing labels from East and West Germany.  To my eye the scroll looks like factory work and the varnish appears to be spirit, or alcohol based as observed by chips in the varnish.  

Back

You will not do any harm to this instrument if you have it reconditioned by an experienced luthier.  In fact it would be a good idea to have it checked for open seams, cracks and proper fit of the bridge and sound post.  When you ask about reconditioning I hope that you don't mean revarnishing.  It is rare for an instrument to be revarnished unless there is a good reason for it, such as most of the varnish is either missing or severely damaged.  It looks as though the violin will need to have the pegs lubricated and adjusted so that they turn evenly and fit well.  There appears to be significant wear on the fingerboard so it should be planed or "dressed" to removed grooves, bumps and ridges.  Your luthier will probably want to fit a new soundpost, bridge and strings.  From the photo the end button appears to fit well but if the luthier determines that it does not fit well he or she may recommend replacement.  The violin should have a good cleaning, some varnish retouch and a fresh set of strings. 

End Button

A suggestion would be to replace the tailpiece with a Wittner tailpiece with built-in fine tuners.  The Wittner tailpiece is lighter weight than the ebony tailpiece on this instrument and the fine tuners are curved on the underside which runs less risk of damage to the top of the violin if the fine tuners are turned all the way down.  I hope that you are able to get this violin into good playing condition so that it can make music once again.