AN EXCELLENT GERMAN VIOLIN BY ERNST HEINRICH ROTH, 1957 MODEL VIII-R 1722 STRAD

WICHITA BAND INSTRUMENT COMPANY

A fine German violin made in 1957 by the Ernst Heinrich Roth workshop, bearing the label "Ernst Heinrich Roth / Bubenreuth-Erlangen 1957 / Antonius Stradivarius / Cremona 1722" and brandstamped "Ernst Heinrich Roth / Bubenreuth / Erlangen 544" on the inner back.

The two-piece back is of Alpine maple of narrow flame, the table of spruce of narrow figure. The varnish is of yellow-brown color on a golden base. Back length is 355 mm and the instrument weighs, without chin-rest, 418 grams.

The 1722 Strad is still in production at Roth's workshop in Bubenreuth, now with a retail price of about $7500. Our instrument is in very fine original condition, and has come to us with no cracks or damage. Recommended for an advanced student or enthusiastic adult amateur. The original American case, in like-new condition, is included with the instrument. Canvas case cover is worn, and zipper broken.

This violin was sold to us by the original owner. Her parents ordered it from a gentleman that had a shop in the Garden City area, and she recalled that it took some time to come in. Her parents had paid for it before ever seeing it, and she was quite pleased when she finally played it. She played semi-professionally over the years, and studied with many local teachers. At some point, however, she switched to the viola as her main instrument, and the Roth was set aside. It is obvious that it was lovingly cared for and never abused. Her request to us was that we find a good home for it, where it may continue to make music.

From the Universal Dictionary of Violin and Bow Makers by William Henley:

ROTH, ERNST HEINRICH. Born at Markneukirchen, 1877. Son of Gustav Robert. Worked for many years with father, established own firm 1920. Died 1948. Superb modelling whether Stradivarian, Guarnerian, Amati or Guadagnini. Those of the highest price are made from the beginning to the end entirely with his own hands, and his versatility cannot be spoken of too highly. Every instrument shows individuality, whether his own special model or the various prototypes imitated. Only the finest grades of wood, all judiciously chosen for tone production. Superb varnishing (generally golden brown of Cremonese elasticity) as are all the little details of construction which build up a fine instrument. Named Violins for the Artist. Marteau, Felix Berber and other virtuosi have given testimonials. Cheaper productions emanating from his workshops all supervised and tested by him before sent in circulation, and the varnishing always solely his doing.

From Dictionnaire Universel des Luthiers by Rene Vannes:

ROTH Ernest Henri. Ne a Markneukirchen, le 3-4-1877, mort en cette ville le 19-12-1948. Apres un serieux apprentissage dans les ateliers de son pere Gustave Robert R., il alla faire un stage a Kiev en Russie et a Milan, puis revint au pays s'etablir dans sa ville natale. Belle lutherie d'apres les modeles italiens particulierement Amati, Stradivari et Guarneri. Il etudia les vernis anciens, construisit aussi de bons archets et des instruments a plectre. Pendant des annees, il fut a la tete de la corporation des luthiers de sa ville, ses fils Albert et Henri sont dignes continuateurs.

EDR

*** In January of 2021, our small workshop in Wichita celebrated sixty-eight years in business. We are not in the 1952 Wichita telephone directory, but we ARE in the 1953.

Today we have ten employees including five of the finest repair technicians in the country. We’re happy to report, a sterling reputation for top-quality restoration and ethical transactions. We are not amateurs, nor are we a “back bedroom” operation. We would be pleased to furnish you with references attesting to the above.

 Shopping for a good professional-quality violin? We always have a selection of better instruments from the best European workshops. We're particularly fond of "old French" from the early 20th. century. Strong voices, brilliant tonal qualities perfectly suited to orchestral and solo playing.

A few better violins, now in our shop...

Amadee Dieudonne, Mirecourt, 1926

Charles Quenoil, Paris, 1937

Louis Hequin, Paris, 1930

Eugene Langonet, Nantes, 1937

Caressa and Francais, Paris, 1952

Georges Cherpitel, Paris, 1935

Georges Apparut, Mirecourt, 1927

Georges Apparut, Mirecourt, 1948

Marcellus Robin, Bordeaux, 1923

Charles Jean-Baptiste Colin-Mezin, Paris, 1944

Sebastian Auguste Deroux, Paris, 1897

Auguste Delivet, Paris, 1910

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Wichita Band Instrument Company is a small musical instrument emporium located in the center of the USA. We’ve been in business since 1953 and have had the same owner since 1963. Originally we were a repair shop that specialized in woodwind and sax restoration. Today we have ten employees including five of the finest repair technicians in the country. Virtually ALL the items we sell have been fully reconditioned in our own shop, although we do sell a few unrestored historical instruments each year.

Wichita Band Instrument Company maintains a repair department capable of restoration work of the highest quality. Even though repairs are essentially “free” for the first two years, after that period has expired, we remain at your service to maintain and repair your musical equipment forever. It’s our “service after the sale” promise and has been since 1953!

In the event that a customer requires service under factory guarantees or Wichita Band’s service warranty, the item must be returned to us and not directly to the manufacturer.

Anything we sell can be sent to you for a short approval period without obligation. We collect NO SALES TAX, unless you’re lucky enough to live in Kansas. The customer is responsible for shipping and insurance and must pre-pay back to us any freight and insurance charges on returned equipment.