Herrmann Joseph Stoss (b.1682, d. 1765) was the senior member of the extensive Stoss family who worked in Fussen, Germany making predominantly violins and lutes over multiple family generations.  Fussen’s location on the trade routes to Italy can explain why the Fussen school of instrument making produced violins like the 16^th century Brescian and Venetian models.  Fussen violin and lute makers were resolute masters with each instrument being entirely made by one individual.

The Stoss violin was made in 1729, well into his career.  The violin is exquisitely restored enhancing the “HJ” brand on the back button, the intricate decorative purfling on the back, and the opulent medium red-brown over gold varnish.  Master luthier, Andrew Dipper, made the pegs, fingerboard, and tailpiece to finish a violin of unparalleled beauty.  Both the fingerboard and tailpiece were made with an applewood core supporting a boxwood veneer embellished with ebony/boxwood/ebony purfling.  The violin is splendid!

After easily tuning the gut strings, the player will be enthralled with a clear, pure, mature, and responsive baroque violin voice.  The violin is delightful under the hand and bow to impart the extant baroque experience.  For both the professional and connoisseur, the Stoss violin will transport your musical experience to days gone by and into the future.