Stainer, JAKOB

Stainer, JAKOB, violin-maker, was born at Absam near Hall in the Tyrol on 14th July 1621, and was apprenticed to a maker of stringed musical instruments at Innsbruck. There is a legend, devoid of foundation, however, that he worked under some of the Amati at Cremona. He did somehow learn the secret of the Italian method of constructing violins, and so won a reputation that passed beyond Germany, into Italy and England, and lasted for more than a century. At the present day his violins are valued as curiosities, but are not esteemed of use by practical musicians. Stainer died in 1683, insane, and, in spite of grand-ducal favour, in a state of poverty. There is a Life by Ruf (Innsbruck, 1872).