Nicolaus Dopfer

History

Nicolaus Dopfer (1714-1788) was born in 1714 in Füssen and died in 1788 in Mainz, Germany.

He was appointed instrument maker to the Court in Mainz and is effectively considered the founder of the Mainz school of violin makers.

He was the father-in-law of Martin Diehl and Jacob Steininger.

His name is erroneously written as Doppler in a Frankfurt register.

Craft

• Style: His work is in the Klotz style, with Staineresque arching and soundhole models, and outlines that recall Stainer.
• Arching: The arching is often without a hollow, rising directly from the edge, which makes it appear higher than it actually is.
• Edges: Instruments feature small edges.
• Soundholes: The soundholes are small but well cut, elegant, and narrow, following a Staineresque model.
• Pegbox & Scroll: The pegbox is rather swan-necked, topped with a small scroll that has an extended last turn. The scroll is often made of pearwood and is described as having a pretty swing.
• Workmanship: His instruments are neatly finished, precise, and generally well made, indicating a very capable and respected artist.
• Wood: The wood used is of good quality.
• Varnish: Sources describe his varnish as thin and not transparent, ranging from dark red to almost black-brown. Other accounts mention a brown or yellow-brown varnish, noting that the yellow-brown is better.
• Tone: The tone of his instruments is described as excellent.
• Instrument Characteristics: His violas are considered very worthwhile. Cellos feature very long centre bouts and small corners. He also made a few large tenors.
• Label: His printed label is in gothic type and reads: "Nicolaus Döpfer / Kurfsl-Maynzischer Hoflauten und / Geigen-macher 17..".

Influence

• Mentorship: Nicolaus Dopfer was the master of Martin Diel.
• Family & School Founding: He was the father-in-law of both Martin Diehl and Jacob Steininger, and is effectively recognized as the founder of the Mainz school of violin makers.

Legacy

• Founding Role: Nicolaus Dopfer is effectively considered the founder of the Mainz school of violin makers.
• Court Appointment: He held the prestigious position of instrument maker to the Court in Mainz.

Further Information

• Workshop Location: His workshop was located in Mainz, Germany.
• Label Inscription: His printed label in gothic type reads: "Nicolaus Döpfer / Kurfsl-Maynzischer Hoflauten und / Geigen-macher 17..".
• Name Variation: In a Frankfurt register, his name is erroneously written as Doppler.

Summary

Nicolaus Dopfer (1714-1788) was a highly respected German luthier, born in Füssen and active in Mainz, where he served as instrument maker to the Court.

He is credited with founding the Mainz school of violin makers and was the father-in-law and master to notable luthiers like Martin Diehl.

His instruments, including violins, violas, cellos, and tenors, are characterized by a Klotz-Staineresque style with small edges, Staineresque arching, and neatly finished craftsmanship, though his varnish is noted for being thin and sometimes dark.