Karl Otto Zimmer

History

Karl Otto Zimmer (1865-1919) was born in 1865 in Erlbach, Germany, and died in 1919 in Budapest, Hungary. He was the brother and pupil of Karl Zimmer. His training included working for Jüling and Weichold in Dresden from 1885. He briefly worked in Leipzig and Ostpreussen before being called to Budapest in 1892, where he was employed by W. J. Schunda. According to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, he made some violins independently in Dresden as early as 1887, which were praised by connoisseurs. By 1896, he established his own independent workshop in Budapest. Later in his career, he concentrated on pianos and guitars. His son, Oliver, succeeded him.

Craft

• Workmanship: Karl Otto Zimmer produced fine professional work. His early instruments were often made on Brescian patterns, and he later developed models based on Stradivari, Guarneri, and fine Guadagnini. His instruments were accurately observed and well finished, with particular care given to their elaboration. He primarily made violins and violoncellos.
• Varnish: He used his own oil varnish in appropriate shades, described as red, yellow, or brown. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff specifically notes it as a self-made amber-oil varnish (Bernstein-Öllack) that proved effective.

Influence

• Mentorship: Karl Otto Zimmer was a pupil of his brother, Karl Zimmer.
• Employment: He worked for Jüling and Weichold in Dresden from 1885. He was also employed by W. J. Schunda in Budapest from 1892.

Legacy

• Awards: Karl Otto Zimmer was awarded medals in Paris in 1900, specifically a silver medal at the Paris World Exhibition (Pariser Weltausstellung). He also received awards in Hungary, including a first prize at the Millennium Exhibition in Budapest while still an assistant.
• Succession: He was succeeded by his son, Oliver Zimmer.

Further Information

• Branding: Instruments produced by Karl Otto Zimmer were branded internally 'Zimmer K.O. Budapest'.
• Workshop Location: His workshop in Budapest was located at Zimmer, K. Otto Langszer Koazito Budapest VI. Terez-Korut 4 sz.

Summary

Karl Otto Zimmer (1865-1919) was a German-born luthier who established a significant workshop in Budapest, Hungary. A pupil of his brother Karl Zimmer, he trained with Jüling and Weichold in Dresden before moving to Budapest to work for W. J. Schunda, eventually opening his own business in 1896. He was known for his fine professional work, initially using Brescian patterns and later developing models based on Stradivari, Guarneri, and Guadagnini, applying his own oil varnish. Zimmer received medals in Paris in 1900 and in Hungary, and his business was later continued by his son, Oliver.