Johann Michael Scheinlein
1751–1794
Johann Michael SCHEINLEIN (1751-1794) was a German violin maker, born and deceased in Langenfeld, near Nuremberg. As the third son and pupil of Matthäus Friedrich Scheinlein, he received rigorous training from a young age, including travels to prominent workshops. He surpassed his father in craftsmanship, working after the Stainer model but with flatter arching to achieve a full and pleasant tone. His instruments were noted for their accurate and well-finished woodwork and a reasonably clear brown varnish, and he was highly regarded during his lifetime.
Maker Overview
Life
Johann Michael SCHEINLEIN (1751-1794) was born in 1751 in Langenfeld, near Nuremberg, Germany, and died in 1794 in Langenfeld. He was the third son and pupil of Matthäus Friedrich Scheinlein. His father began training him rigorously from the age of twelve, taking him on travels to Tyrol and other places to expose him to the best violin-making workshops, ensuring he could learn new techniques. Johann Michael Scheinlein surpassed his father in both the precision of his work and his understanding of the craft. He was highly esteemed during his lifetime.
Characteristics
- Model
- He worked after the largest Stainer model, beginning around 1780. He modified this model by making the arching somewhat flatter, which resulted in a full and pleasant tone.
- Workmanship
- His instruments were neatly and carefully made, characterized by well-finished and accurate woodwork.
- Varnish
- He used a reasonably clear brown varnish.
- Label
- His instruments bore the label 'J. M. Scheinlein fecit Langenfeld / prope Nürnberg'.
- Durability
- Sources contain conflicting information about the durability of his instruments; while they had a good reputation for tone, some suggest the wood was not thick enough, leading to them not lasting well.
- J. M. Scheinlein fecit Langenfeld
prope NürnbergJohn Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: He was the pupil of his father, Matthäus Friedrich Scheinlein.
- Training: His father took him on extensive travels, including to Tyrol, to visit leading violin-making workshops and broaden his knowledge.
- Reputation: During his lifetime, he was highly esteemed, and a violin made by him would fetch four Louisd'or.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
SCHEINLEIN, Johann Michael Born 1751, died 1794 Langenfeld, Nuremberg Germany. Son and pupil of Matthäus Friedrich Scheinlein, below. Good work on Stainer model; generally an improvement on that of his father. Reasonably clear brown varnish. Well-finished and accurate woodwork. J. M. Scheinlein fecit Langenfeld / prope Nürnberg
Cecie Stainer+
Son and pupil of Matthaus Friedrich Scheinlein; b. 1751, Langenfeld. He followed the large Stainer pattern in his violins, but avoided the exaggerated arching; his instruments are neatly and carefully made and had a good reputation for their full and pleasant tone; but they do not last well, the wood not being thick enough.
George Hart+
Son of [Mathias F.]. Similar characteristics.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Dritter Sohn und Schüler von Matthäus Friedr. Sch., der ihn schon im zwölften Jahre strenge zur Arbeit anhielt, auf seinen Reisen nach Tyrol etc. mitnahm und in die besten Geigenmacherwerkstätten führte, damit er dort noch etwas Neues lernen konnte. Er übertraf seinen Vater sowohl in der Genauigkeit seiner Arbeit, als auch an Verständniss und arbeitete seit 1780 nach dem grössten Stainermodell. Er nahm die Wölbung jedoch etwas flacher und erzielte einen vollen und angenehmen Ton. Er war schon bei Lebzeiten sehr geschätzt und erhielt für eine Violine vier Louisd’or. Vgl. die von ihm selbst herrührenden Angaben in Gerber’s Lexikon.
Sell your instrument with Amati
Get started by uploading photos of your instrument for our experts to review.
Sell your instrument with Amati
Get started by uploading photos of your instrument for our experts to review.
