Otto K. Schenk von Bern violin, New York 1976 | Metzler Violins

soulful, bright, projecting

About the Instrument
This violin is simultaneously powerful and nimble, making it a particularly versatile instrument. The varnish is lusciously applied as a bright auburn over a wheat ground. The two-piece back is a relatively plain maple with some grain figuring. This instrument was made the same year its maker earned a Gold Medal at the Violin Society of America competition.

Interior label reads: “Otto K. Schenk von Bern / New York, 1976”
Length: 355 mm
Upper bouts: 165 mm
Middle bouts: 109 mm
Lower bouts: 206 mm

About the Maker
Otto Karl Schenk (?-2025) was a contemporary Swiss luthier who apprenticed in Bern under Edith Dittrich before working for years in Hans Weisshaar’s atelier in Los Angeles and Jacques Français’ shop in New York under its head of workshop René Morel. Schenk received many accolades for his stringed instruments, including a Gold Medal for Workmanship and Certificate for Tone at the Violin Society of American (VSA) Competition in Philadelphia in 1976. He also earned a Certificate of Merit for Viola Tone, Viola Workmanship, and Cello Workmanship at the VSA Competition in 1978. In 1979, Schenk opened his own workshop in Bern. He served as a jury member at the “Città di Cremona” Competition in 1995, was a member of the Swiss Association of Violinmaking and Bowmaking as well as L’Entente Internationale des Maîtres Luthiers et Archetiers d’Art.