Events
This is where you will find out much more about how I work and what I make.
akustika Nuremberg 2024
The akustika music fair in Nuremberg was very well received by visitors. The music fair is aimed at musicians - from beginners to professionals - and showcases the diversity and quality of musical instrument making. My daughter Hannah and I were delighted that so many interested people came to our stand to take a look at our instruments, play them or simply find out more. A big thank you to all visitors.
Graduation with distinction
My daughter Hannah Lobe has completed her apprenticeship as a violin maker with flying colors. Her journeyman's piece, a violin after Antonius Stradivari, won awards at chamber, state and national level.
Hanna's feeling for aesthetics, shapes and colors and her great eye pay off not only in the construction of new instruments, but also in repairs and the associated lacquer retouching. Her rare violins are already finding great favor.
I am very proud that my daughter is following in my footsteps so successfully with her choice of profession and is now working as a journeywoman in my workshop.
Trade fair news 2022
- The Frankfurt Music Fair was also cancelled in 2022 because of Corona! It will not take place as usual in the future. The organizers are working on a new concept.
- The Mondomusica in Cremona is to take place from 23.09. to 25.09.2022. Whether we will be there this year is still unclear.
“Lord Wilton” — a masterful imitation of the Giuseppe Guarneri violin
Here are some pictures of my Masterpiece Violin “Lord Wilton”. This beauty is a detailed imitation of the famous Guarneri delGesù violin of the same name.
TV video about myself and my work
In 2022 I had a visit from the Bavarian Broadcasting company. They produced a five-minute report about me and my work for the evening news (Frankenschau).
You are welcome to view it and take a look into my workshop, even if you do not understand German.
Enjoy seeing what I do!
See the video …
Il Cannone—a masterful imitation of the Giuseppe Guarneri violin
Here is my latest masterpiece, a true replication in detail of the "Il Cannone". To craft this violin, I chose rare, exquisite fine tone wood, almost a hundred years old. As a result, it is not only a stunning piece of art workmanship, it produces a marvellous, flush and mighty sound, fully worthy of its namesake.
The original was made by Giuseppe Guarneri ("del Gesù") in 1743. It is now preserved at Italian State facilities in Genua. The violin was once played by the radiant virtuoso, Niccolo Paganini. Its powerful resonance and evenly balanced timbre moved him to dub it it "my canon violin". It was absolutely his favourite instrument.
30 Years as an Independent Artisan
Last year, in 2017, I was celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of my activities as an independent violin maker. I was working on some special jubilee models. Now I would like to thank you for the lively interest in my exquisite string instruments.
Should you wish to try out one of my instruments, I will be glad to set up an appointment with you.
2017 Cuvee Darling in Frankfurt
In April, 2017, my work was featured at the Cuvee Darling Exhibition—together with that of thirty-five leading violin and bow makers from all over the world.
This was an excellent affair for all those who got to know me and my instruments personally. The evening music programme was a delightful conclusion.
The Exhibition was a great success. My instruments were, once again, highly appreciated.
I was very pleased. Thank you for your visit.
A Masterpiece from My Workbench
Replica of the “Baron Knoop” of Pietro Guarneri
Thinly applied elastic varnish, which imparts to the instrument its consummate beauty, is “painted” on with fine brush strokes, depicting the details of the vintage instrument with as much accuracy as possible.
A Video About Myself and My Work
In a series entitled “Hidden Champions”, the Chamber of Craftsmen of the County of Mittelfranken commissioned a video about me in my studio. It shows me at work and you may hear my comments in an interview.
- Director and Editor:
- Nicole Geißler
- Camera and Sound:
- Julius Kramer
Produced for the HWK Mittelfranken in 2012
Enjoy watching this video!
Concerts with Violins from my Studio
The Smaragd String Quintett played violins from my studio in the jubilee “Music of the Market Time” concert in Havixbeck, Germany.
- Performers (members of the Münster Symphony)
- KarinStruck – Violin
- Christoph Struck – Violin
- Mara Smith – Viola
- Andreas Denhoff – Viola
- Monika Krack – Cello
- Programme:
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
String Quintett in C Major, KV 515
1st and 3rd Movements - Instruments:
- 1st Violin: Guarneri “Kreisler” (Replica: G. H. Lobe)
- 2nd Violin: Guarneri “Cannone” (Replica: G. H. Lobe)
Music for the 2012 Westphalian Peace Prize
The 2012 Westphalian Peace Prize in Münster, Germany, was awarded to former Chancellor Helmut Schmidt. An ensemble from the Münster Symphony Orchestra provided a festive musical setting.
Also playing an supportive role there, some of my instruments: the First Violin and the Cello came from my workbench.
A Masterpiece from my Studio
A replica of the Guareri del Gesu “King” Violin
The original is from 1735. It is in excellent condition and has, in comparison with the “d'Egville” and “Plowden” instruments built by Guarneri in the same year, a more massive-looking contour.
The very nicely preserved borders are somewhat wider than usual, the finely cut corners longer. The forward, straight upright F-holes look very elegant. They are reminiscent of the “Kreissler” violin, but have a more open feeling.
Since 2011, I have been making true immitation replicas of this exceptional violin. I use wood similar to that of the original, comparable in aspect and structure. In order to attain optimum sound quality, the different pieces of wood are acoustically matched with each other.
The construction and dimensions are taken from the original and transferred in utmost detail to the twin. The thin, elastic varnishing is “painted” on as accurately as possible, which brings out the full magnificence of the instrument.
After all the work is completed, the copy and the original are almost identical. The new twin has all the virtues of a true masterpiece, charming and astonishing not only in appearance but in sound quality.
Musical Instruments of Best Quality – Metropolregion Nuremberg
The “Metropolregion Nürnberg”, the commercial community of my area, is the national leader in the production of musical instruments. The best musical instrument makers of the region have adopted a common slogan: “Musical Instruments of Best Quality”.
