There are those times when a violin comes along that may not be the most expensive, be destined to play monumental violin concertos, or made by a well-known prestigious maker. After playing this violin, you just know this violin speaks to the heart, was made from the heart, and is destined to become a cherished member of a musical family and to be passed on from generation to generation. The Herbrig violin IS that unique and humble violin.
Charles E. Herbrig (b. 1881, Montgomery, MN, d. 1957) was a bona fide and staunch Minnesotan born and raised in a log cabin in southern part of the state. He had a keen interest in the outdoors and hard work. As a young man, Charles migrated to the Twin Cities to study horticulture and then go on to study at Globe Business College in St. Paul. After his studies, the restless young man worked making and selling steamer trunks; married a local woman; became a father; and took on some bookkeeping work. Fortuitously, Charles took up violin making as a hobby, learning the lutherie on his own accord and curiosity. From 1922 to 1956, he maintained workshops in St. Paul. He endlessly experimented with varnishes inspired by the formulas of the Italian masters. Charles made mostly violins, a few violas, and one cello. His primary model was based on the 1721 Stradivari and the occasional Guarneri model.