Re: Karl Hofner violin

Sherry,
In most cases, violins are not stripped and refinished.  It is generally
best to leave the finish as is and have any areas touched up.  The finish is
part of the charactor of the violin.  Hofner violins are still listed in one
of my catalogs.  You most likely have a shop violin, but there is nothing
wrong with good shop violins.  Bubenreuth is in Germany.  You didn't say how
you aquired the violin and you didn't mention much about its overall
condition.  My suggestion would be to take it to a shop for evaluation.  Is
it playable now and if so, how does it sound?  What is the plan for the
violin's use?
Hofner probably has a wide range of violins,  I searched the internet and
found a 1979 Hofner in Canada for sale at $700 US dollars.  I got a lot more
hits on Hofner guitars than I did on violins but I don't know if there is
any connection between the guitars and violins.
Craig
"Sherry" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> 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