Re: Karl Hofner violin

Bubenreuth is a major center for violin factories. Roderick Paesold
which is one of the bigger makers is also based there.  These German
and Czech (and some Chinese) factories generally make violins at the
lower price end in several grades.  Some of the better grades are
actually pretty good violins.  The bow I use the most is by Paesold.

Jon Teske, 

On 29 Nov 2003 21:55:32 -0800, [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Sherry) wrote:

>I recently obtained a violin ( in fair condition ) with the following
>printed 1" X 3" label inside the body:
>
>Karl Hofner
>Bubenreuth 1959 (or maybe 53)
>
>the 59 is handwritten in pencil or perhaps ink.
>the label also displays to the right of the words a circle containing 
>a cross above the initials KH
>
>the entire label is bordered with what looks like a series of the
>letter A resting on a line with curled tips on each side of each
>individual letter. since the curled base is adjacent to the center of
>the lable, the border bottom looks like a series of the horns of a
>ram.
>
>My question is: what kind of instrument do I have? is it worth sending
>to a professional for restoration? or if I wish to refinish it myself,
>am i going to be ruining a valued violin? Thanks for any assistance
>you can provide.
>
>Sincerely,
>Sherry