- Jacob Stainer
Jacob Stainer (c. 1617-1683) was the earliest and best known Austrian
luthier .Stainer was born in
Absam ,Austria . His designs influenced instrument construction inGermany , parts of Italy and several other countries.He may have been associated with the luthiers of
Cremona ,Italy , in particular theAmati family. His instruments were among the most highly sought-after throughout Europe untilAntonio Stradivari rose to fame. Stradivari's instruments are flatter and broader and produce a more powerful sound, and this became the preferred sound of musicians.Stainer’s violins are comparatively rare today and very few of his
viola s,cello s, and basses are known to exist.Characteristic features of his instruments
* Broad lower back
* Pronounced higher arching of the belly than the back
* Highly skilled craftsmanship particularly displayed in cut scrolls and occasionally carved heads of lions, angels, or women
* Varnish ranging in color from amber to orange-red, comparable in brilliance to Cremonese varnishStainer's label
:Jacobus Stainer in Absam:prope Oenipontum fecit 1663
Translation: "Jacob Stainer in Absam near Innsbruck made this in 1663.
External links
* [http://sankey.ws/guitars/varnishes.html Stainer's varnish]
* [http://rperras.tripod.com]
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