Nicolaus Amati Trade Violin – Made by Roth Shop- Markneukirchen circa 1920

click picture to enlarge Ernst Heinrich Roth (1877- 1948) had the ideal prerequisites for attaining musical greatness. As a talented musician who played several instruments and had perfect pitch, he began his career by completing his training in the workshop founded by his father, Gustav Robert Roth, in 1873. On top of studying in Markneukirchen, Ernst Heinrich traveled to studied under violin makers in Austria, Hungary, Russia, and France and later returned to his home country with extensive knowledge of the art. His skill and musical training helped Ernst Heinrich Roth become one of the finest craftsmen of the 20th century and one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Germany. Roth violins were mostly patterned after Italian Masters. The violin tops were made of fine-grained Italian spruce, and the backs were of deeply flamed maple. The aged European wood was the key factor that sets their violins apart. Roth violins of the 1920s and early 1930s shared these defining characteristics of choice woods. This violin has it! Roth branded and labeled his instruments with different names to be able to sell many more instruments from his Markneukirchen workshop. This violin has beautiful oil-based varnish that is amber brown/light gold color on a golden ground, and features masterful craftsmanship applied with detailed care. The quality of the workmanship is high, and we went over the violin giving it a new set up. The violin also has a gorgeous one-piece back that also helps set this violin off. Corpus 360.0 mm., Major Width 208.0 mm., Minor Width 169.0 mm., Rib Height 28.5.0 – 29.0 mm. The sound on the violin is robust and powerful. The violin has a richness and alluring sound on all of the voices. The bottom end has the drive with a slight cover to the clarity and the treble side is focused with bright carrying overtone. The entire sound is very nice and fits right in with the excellent reputation of the Roth family instruments. The sound is resonant, and I can feel the instrument vibrating as I play. Almost 100 years old and in great condition. I love the violin and it is ready for a player to enjoy in an orchestral setting. Great attributes: age, quality craftsmanship, choice woods, and a beautiful patina to the varnish.