Jacob (II) Rauch

Life

Jacob (II) RAUCH (1680-1765) was a luthier who worked in Mannheim, Germany., he was born in 1680 in Trauchgau, Füssen, and died in Mannheim in 1765. He began his work around 1720, with Willibald Leo Lütgendorff noting he was Hof-Lauten- und Geigenmacher (court lute and violin maker) in Mannheim from at least 1723. He was the son of Jacob Rauch (I). He was appointed luthier to the court in Mannheim. Cecie Stainer notes that he was active in Mannheim from about 1720 to 1750. A label found in an arch-lute by Laux Maler, which Rauch had restored, read: "Jacob Rauch Hof-Lauten und Geigenmacher in Mannheim, anno 1740. Zugericht." Another label mentioned by Stainer was dated 1747. John Dilworth also cites labels from 1732 and 1776, though the 1776 date conflicts with his reported death in 1765.

Characteristics

Instruments

Jacob (II) Rauch produced violins, altos (violas), violoncellos, double-basses, viols d'amores, and lutes, including the restoration of arch-lutes.

Workmanship & Quality

Sources offer conflicting descriptions of his workmanship. Cecie Stainer states he produced "very good work" and that the quality of tone of his violins was "very similar to that of Stainer violins," also noting his "excellent altos, violoncellos, and double-basses." John Dilworth describes his work as "Fine neatly finished work on Stainer derived models." However, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff suggests his violins and violas show "recht gewöhnliche Arbeit" (quite ordinary work) and that he "besondere Sorgfalt auf die Wahl des Holzes verwendete er jedenfalls nicht" (certainly did not use particular care in the choice of wood).

Model Characteristics

His models often featured a high arching. Lütgendorff notes a "meist breite Modell" (mostly broad model) reminiscent of the Swabian school, with "unschöne F-Löcher" (unattractive F-holes).

Materials

John Dilworth mentions "Plain materials," with heads often made of pearwood. Lütgendorff also states that the neck and scroll were often made of pearwood.

Varnish

Descriptions of his varnish vary. Lütgendorff describes it as "trüber, braungelber Lack" (dull, brownish-yellow varnish). John Dilworth notes a "Pale golden-yellow varnish," while Henri Poidras mentions a "Dark yellow varnish."

Influence and legacy

• Family Tradition: Jacob (II) Rauch was the son of Jacob Rauch (I), suggesting a family tradition in instrument making.
• Stylistic Influence: His work often featured "Stainer derived models," and the tone quality of his violins was said to be "very similar to that of Stainer violins," indicating a significant influence from the Stainer school.