Gabriel David Buchstetter

History

Gabriel David Buchstetter (circa 1730-1780) worked in Stadtamhof, Regensberg, Germany, and was the son of Christoff Buchstetter. According to John Dilworth in The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers, he was "a very well-regarded maker of great individuality." Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, in Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart, noted that Buchstetter was considered one of the best German masters of his era, and the renowned violinist Spohr played a 'Buchstetter' instrument in his concerts until he acquired a 'Lupot'. Lütgendorff also described him as industrious and very wealthy. His labels were frequently numbered, with an example from 1752 being the 26th instrument made. Labels appeared in both Gothic and Roman type, with various forms such as "Gabriel David Buchstetter, Lauden und / Geigen Macher, zu Stadt am Hoff / neben Regenspurg Anno 1750", "Gabriel Buchstetter Lautten und / Geigenmacher zu Stadt am Hof / prope Ratisbonae. 1761", and "Gabriel David Buchstetter, Lautten- / und Geigenmacher, Pedeponti prope / Ratisbonam. Anno 1764".

Craft

• Model: He worked on a Stradivari-derived model, also following Cremona patterns.
• Workmanship: John Dilworth noted his "great finesse in craftsmanship," and Cecie Stainer observed that "all the details are carefully finished."
• Varnish: Dilworth described it as "thin and opaque," while Stainer mentioned it was "dark yellow or brown colour," with one exhibited in Paris in 1878 having "very dark yellow varnish."
• Wood: Dilworth noted "sometimes a hint of unattractive stain in the wood," and Stainer stated the "wood not always well selected."
• Scrolls: His scrolls are "very distinctive, with a long, swan necked pegbox and deep, open throat, and a very concentric volute extending up behind the eye," according to Dilworth.
• Soundholes: Dilworth highlighted "Very fine Stradivarian soundholes with subtle fluting in the lower wing."
• Arching: He employed "Well-regulated low arching," and his instruments were "not much arched."
• Materials: Dilworth generally noted a "fine choice of materials."
• Tone: Cecie Stainer described the tone as potentially "harsh" due to wood selection but also "powerful," making his violins "much used for orchestra playing."
• Dimensions: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff mentioned that his best violins were "lang und schmal" (long and narrow).

Legacy

• Recognition: The renowned violinist Spohr played a 'Buchstetter' instrument in his concerts, as noted by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff in Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart.
• Exhibitions: One of his instruments, dated 1752, was exhibited in Paris in 1878.

Further Information

• Working Locations: He worked in Stadtamhof, Regensberg, Germany, also referred to as Ratisbon, Regenspurg, and Pedeponti prope Ratisbonam.
• Labeling Practices: His labels were frequently numbered, with an instrument from 1752 being the 26th made. Labels were printed in both Gothic and Roman type.
• Label Examples: Specific label texts include "Gabriel David Buchstetter, Lauden und / Geigen Macher, zu Stadt am Hoff / neben Regenspurg Anno 1750", "Gabriel Buchstetter Lautten und / Geigenmacher zu Stadt am Hof / prope Ratisbonae. 1761", and "Gabriel David Buchstetter, Lautten- / und Geigenmacher, Pedeponti prope / Ratisbonam. Anno 1764".

Summary

Gabriel David Buchstetter (circa 1730-1780) was a highly regarded German luthier from Stadtamhof, Regensberg, known for his individual style and fine craftsmanship. He was the son of Christoff Buchstetter and was considered one of the best German masters of his time, with even the celebrated violinist Spohr performing on his instruments. Buchstetter's work followed Stradivari-derived and Cremona patterns, featuring distinctive scrolls, fine Stradivarian soundholes, and well-regulated low arching. While his varnish was often thin and opaque, and wood selection could be inconsistent, his instruments were noted for their powerful tone, making them popular for orchestral use. His labels were frequently numbered and appeared in both Gothic and Roman type.