Joseph Bohmann

History

Joseph Bohmann (1848-1926) was born in 1848 in Utery (Neumarkt), Czech Republic. He emigrated to the USA in 1873, having first established himself independently in Bohemia, according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. Sources contain conflicting information regarding his establishment in Chicago; John Dilworth states he established a large workshop in Chicago in 1878 under the name 'American Musical Industry', while Lütgendorff indicates he was resident in Chicago from 1876. Bohmann's instruments received recognition at European exhibitions. In 1888, he issued a public challenge, claiming he could produce finer stringed instruments than any other maker, subsequently adding the phrase 'World's Greatest Musical Instrument Maker' to his labels. He was awarded medals at Paris in 1889, Chicago in 1893, Antwerp in 1894, Atlanta in 1895, and Omaha in 1898. His son, Joseph Frederick, assisted in the management of the business from 1926.

Craft

• Instrument Production: Joseph Bohmann made violins, violas, cellos, double basses, and plucked instruments, including guitars and mandolins.
• Copying Style: He produced high-quality copies of classical makers, utilizing appropriate varnish colors and offering various price grades. He specifically copied Italian masters.
• Personal Model: Bohmann developed his own personal model, which Willibald Leo Lütgendorff describes as lying between the models of Maggini and Guarneri.
• Maggini Influence: He owned a Maggini violin, which he copied multiple times.
• Varnish: He applied amber oil varnish (Bernstein-Öllack) to his violins.
• Materials: Bohmann utilized Canadian mountain wood (canadische Gebirgsholz), which he considered highly suitable for violin making.
• Bows: He also crafted bows, including his unique 'Staccato' model, which featured a large thumb aperture in the frog. Lütgendorff also notes the well-fitting thumbhole on the frog of his bows.
• Labeling: Instruments bear an engraved print of Bohmann within, and his labels included the text: 'Joseph Bohmann / The World's Greatest/ Musical Instrument Maker / 276 W. Madison Street / Chicago'.

Influence

• Mentorship: Joseph Bohmann was a student of his uncle (Schüler seines Oheims).

Legacy

• Awards: Bohmann received medals at Paris in 1889, Chicago in 1893, Antwerp in 1894, Atlanta in 1895, and Omaha in 1898.
• Family Business: His son, Joseph Frederick, became involved in the management of the business from 1926, ensuring continuity.

Further Information

• Workshop Location: Joseph Bohmann's primary workshop was located in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
• Business Name: His large workshop operated under the name 'American Musical Industry'.
• Address: His labels indicate an address of 276 W. Madison Street, Chicago.

Summary

Joseph Bohmann (1848-1926) was a prominent luthier born in Utery, Czech Republic, who emigrated to the USA in 1873 and established a significant workshop in Chicago, operating as 'American Musical Industry'. A student of his uncle, Bohmann was known for producing high-quality copies of classical makers, including multiple copies of his own Maggini violin, as well as developing his own personal model. He crafted a wide range of stringed instruments, including violins, violas, cellos, double basses, and plucked instruments, utilizing Canadian mountain wood and amber oil varnish. Bohmann also made bows, notably his 'Staccato' model with a distinctive thumb aperture. He gained considerable recognition, earning multiple medals at international exhibitions and famously proclaiming himself the 'World's Greatest Musical Instrument Maker' on his labels. His son, Joseph Frederick, later joined him in the business.