About Strunal Violins
Strunal violins are instruments made by the Strunal company in Luby, a small mountain town in the Czech Republic near the German border. Renowned for its history, quality and craftsmanship, Strunal has built on the rich tradition of instrument-makers from the region, and is thriving today as one of the most successful establishments of its kind.
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History
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The Czech Republic and the surrounding regions have a long history in classical music and the manufacture of musical instruments. Famous Czech composers include Gustav Mahler and Antonin Dvorak, and Beethoven lived and composed in what would later become Czechoslovakia for a number of years. Czech luthiers (string instrument makers, or "lute makers" from the original French) have always been known as expert craftsmen, with a tradition dating to the 16th century. In 1873, the Luby School of Violin Making was established. Strunal uses that traditional artisanship that has been passed down through families, combines it with state of the art technology design and is now the largest string instrument manufacturing facility in Europe.
Reputation
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The pedigree and tradition of Strunal violins are well known in music circles. They are a favorite of concert violinists, and especially students and teachers. Today, Strunal violins, guitars and other instruments are used around the world. Harold Moore, a longtime violin teacher, says: "Strunal violins deliver old-world know-how and attention to detail for amazing affordable prices." He calls them "genuine European craftsmanship you can really hear."
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Products
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Strunal makes a whole line of string instruments, both for professional musicians and students--violins, violas, cellos, basses, guitars and mandolins. The company also offers bows and accessories, such as pegs, fingerboards, chinrests, bridges, straps and cases. Each category of instrument comes in a variety of models. Violins are available in 22 concert models and 15 student models. Models vary by size, type of wood used (varyingly described on the Strunal website as "seasoned," "graduated for tone" and "flamed") and the wood finish, or varnish. Strunal manufactures an amazing number of instruments. Each year, the company makes approximately 6,000 violins, 50,000 guitars and 9,000 other instruments. The majority of these, 90 percent, are exported to more than 50 countries.
Location
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Strunal credits its location and small town (population below 3,000) atmosphere for much of its success. The tradition of luthiers means there are workers in their factory whose families have been making string instruments for centuries. And the location in the Czech mountains allows them to take advantage of seasoned and fine-grade woods, which they can choose for their resonance qualities. The availability of these woods also allows Strunal to keep its prices reasonable. As Harold Moore sums up the location, "The fresh mountain air and beautiful surroundings seemed to impart a refreshing sense of calm purpose in the fine craftsmen I saw working there. There was no feeling of urgency in the factory--each craftsperson took the time to do the job right."
Philosophy
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The company believes in the ability of music to "enhance the quality of one's life," according to Ivana Stolarova, president of Strunal, in her welcome remarks on the company's website. She says that through traditional craftsmanship, modern technology and location, Strunal is able to guarantee its customers "that the instruments from Strunal will have superb acoustic features with traditional European design and quality." In addition to the promotion of high quality musical instruments, Strunal is also concerned with promoting environmental awareness and using environmentally friendly technologies.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit violin image by Mateusz Papiernik from Fotolia.com
