With the continual rise in value of the older master violins, violas and cellos, it has become increasingly difficult for advanced students and professional players to find an affordable instrument that is worthy of their ability. William Moennig & Son believe they have this problem solved in the person of Master Violinmaker Gunther Reuter of Chicago and Mittenwald who is shown at his workbench.

Gunther Reuter was born in 1934 at The Hague, Holland. He received his Masters degree with honors in 1951 at the Mittenwald school where he studied with such outstanding Masters as Andreas Fiirst, Johann Karner, Leo Aschauer and Mathias Kloz. His first instruments in America date from 1963, but it was not until 1973 that we could persuade him to work exclusively for us.

Gunther’s instruments are noted not only for their beauty and superb workmanship but for their rich tone and carrying power as well. A list of proud owners of Reuter violins, violas and cellos would read like a ‘Who’s Who of distinguished professionals and amateurs alike.

We at William Moennig and Son, are pleased to be able to offer these outstanding instruments at reasonable prices.

Gunther, after bending the ribs to the mold, scribes the outline to the spruce top.

Gunther. shaping the arching of the table first by gouge. then with small planes and finally with a steel scraper.
After shaping the outer form of that spruce. Gunther. delicately carves out the trench into which the purfling is fitted.
Carving the scroll, which really tests the skill of the maker.