Ludwig Neuner

History

Ludwig Neuner (1840-1897) was born on August 21, 1840, in Mittenwald, Bavaria, as the son and pupil of Johann Neuner (III).

He studied the cello and subsequently worked for Andreas Engleder in Munich and Gabriel Lembock in Vienna, before spending six years with J. B. Vuillaume in Paris.

After a short period in London, Ludwig Neuner established a branch of the family business in Berlin in 1867, and also in Innsbruck, Austria.

He returned to Mittenwald to assume direction of Neuner & Hornsteiner in February 1883, following the death of his father, Johann.

Ludwig Neuner was appointed maker to the Bavarian royal family and died in 1897.

Craft

• Production Scale: Under Ludwig Neuner's direction, the company grew to employ 200 craftsmen, producing between 15,000 and 20,000 instruments annually, which were distributed worldwide.
• Instrument Grades: The company produced all grades of instruments, ranging from student models to soloist quality.
• Models and Copies: Instruments included classical Italian models of all kinds, as well as close copies of individual works such as the Stradivari 1716 'Messie' violin and the 1701 'Servais' cello.
• Varnish Research: Ludwig Neuner personally conducted research into Italian varnish.
• Bow Production: The company also manufactured large numbers of bows in various qualities.
• Label: Instruments bore the label "Neuner & Hornsteiner / Mittenwald in Baiern 1861".

Influence

• Parentage and Early Training: Ludwig Neuner was the son and pupil of Johann Neuner (III).
• Mentorship: He received training and worked with Andreas Engleder in Munich, Gabriel Lembock in Vienna, and spent six years under J. B. Vuillaume in Paris.
• Professional Impact: His experiences, particularly with Vuillaume, were instrumental in bringing about a renaissance of the Neuner & Hornsteiner reputation.

Legacy

• Royal Appointment: Ludwig Neuner was appointed maker to the Bavarian royal family.
• Awards and Recognition: He was the recipient of various medals at exhibitions throughout the world, including a silver medal in Berlin in 1879, and the large medal for Industries founded by Friedrich Wilhelm IV. His work was also commended at the Bologna Exhibition in 1888.
• Company Revival: He significantly revitalized the reputation of Neuner & Hornsteiner by applying lessons learned during his extensive training and work experience.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: Ludwig Neuner established a business in Berlin at 6, Kurstrasse, in 1867, and also had a branch in Innsbruck, Austria, before returning to Mittenwald.

Summary

Ludwig Neuner (1840-1897) was a highly influential German luthier, son and pupil of Johann Neuner (III), who significantly elevated the reputation of the Neuner & Hornsteiner firm.

His extensive training included working with Andreas Engleder, Gabriel Lembock, and notably, six years with J. B. Vuillaume in Paris.

After establishing branches in Berlin and Innsbruck, he returned to Mittenwald in 1883 to lead Neuner & Hornsteiner, expanding its operations to employ 200 craftsmen and produce thousands of instruments annually, ranging from student to soloist quality, including precise copies of classical Italian models.

Neuner was appointed maker to the Bavarian royal family and received numerous international awards for his craftsmanship.