This violin may be ideally suited for quartet and small ensemble work because of its sweet, balanced and complex sound. From the highly regarded E. R. Schmidt workshop, and from the golden period of Markneukirchen violin making, this violin represents the upper level from this maker, known for high quality and workmanship. The back is of two pieces of quarter-sawn maple of medium width pronounced flame, descending slightly from the center joint. The top is of fine width spruce. Beautiful varnish work, in brown-red over a golden ground.
E. R. Schmidt (ERS) was established in Markneurkirchen in 1880, adding to Markneukirchen's reputation as a center of quality violin making. Ernst Reinhold Schmidt, born in Markneukirchen in 1857, trained as an apprentice violin maker with J. Kretschman, later working for firms in Leipzig and Berlin, then returning to Markneukirchen to open his firm. His solid earlier training contributed to the great success of ERS, which lead to strong growth, attracting talented budding makers. Focusing on quality, as well as developing several grades of instruments, from apprentice student to "artist" models, and "solo" models made exclusively by Ernst Reinholdt Schmidt himself, the firm earned a strong reputation for quality and workmanship. Instruments are branded with the "E*R*S." brand on the label and often on their back button, as well.