Quote:
Originally Posted by carlopetro
Just wondering what are the differences between the instruments of George and August Gemunder. Was one a better builder than the other? Are the instruments of one considered more value than the other? Or did they make equal quality of instruments?
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There are I think 2 or possibly 3 generations of Gemunders in USA. The elders George I and August Martin Ludwig started in Mass. and moved to NY. The sons and grandsons all born and worked in NY were makers, dealers and importers as well. There are 2 Georges and 2 August's. I am not 100% clear on the 3rd generation as there was August & Sons from 1890 but August M.L died in 1895. Then we have listed August Martin (II) who is the same as the founder of the Firm so if he had sons they become the 3rd generation.
Bows and Violin family instruments were imported by this firm and finished in NY and sold and branded under their name.
Basses by George(I) are rare and only 2 Basses are known to have been made, I have played one of them a few times and know that Bass. This George worked for a time in Paris for Vuillaume. August M.L. came straight from Germany trained by his father who's work is not well known. George I also trained by his father before moving to Paris. I own an August Sr. Bass (now in restoration) and the tone is more Italian sounding than German or Yankee. To me, it looks more like a longish Neapolitan Bass similar to Gagliano and Loveri.
First off is to know which generation of Gemunder you are comparing as the elder Bros. worked together I believe for a time in both Mass and NY but again, the details are sketchy. The Bass by George I is a French model that can pass almost 100% for a Vuillaume and the sound is French as well but good French of the highest order. The Bass I have by August(I) is 100% completely different in every way. The two Basses side by side you would never even dream these makers/brothers were related.
In Violins we have another story as they excelled to the top as makers and dealers, the whole family.