Gerd Knaust belongs to the most required master violin
makers in western Europe. Due to his deep knowledge and
understanding of the works of the old Italian masters, his manual
skill, his experience, his sensitivity and intuition in working out sound components,
he almost predestined for the reproduction of famous old instruments. He developed
his own celli from original samples of legendary masters, ( for instance Antonius
Stradivari, Matteo Goffriller, Domenico Montagnana ). His violins, mostly inspired from
old Italian models are demanded all over the world. The highlight of the year 1999
was a copy of the "Tullaye" by Stradivarius, which excited a deep interest in the
professional world.
A lively voluminous sound and a harmonious
and effective tone are characteristic for his instruments. Many national and international musicians play and love them.
But Gerd Knaust is not satisfied with
what he has already achieved: "We are
permanently learning, a life long. Who
rests on one's laurels cannot improve
his personality. As far as I am con-
cerned, I would lack the stimulus.
That is why exchange with the musicians who are playing my instruments
is so important for me. A close contact with them allows me to benefit
from their daily experience with the instruments and thus to progress
continuously. They show me, to what extent I can be satisfied with my
work, but also where there is something to be improved or where I
should attempt more. And even if it is only a matter of details or
nuances, it is worth working on it. Because only the result counts
and not the time you invest."
Here is a list of the most important stages in his career:
1963Born in Bamberg
1979Apprenticeship as a violin maker in Bubenreuth and Mittenwald
1981 2nd prize in the national "Competition for Handicraft Youth" (Leistungswettbewerb der Handwerksjugend)
1989Master's degree with a diploma of distinction
1991Silver medal at the International Violin Makers Competition in Mittenwald for a violin
1993Member of the "German Violin maker's Association" (Deutschen Geigenbauer- and Bogenmacher Verbands e.V.)
1996Silver medal for a viola at the 7th International Violin Makers Competition "Antonio Stradivari" in Cremona
1998Member of Master Examination Committee at the Chamber of Handicrafts
2003International Violin Makers Competition Jakobus Steiner: special prize for a cello Matteo Goffriller
2008New presentation of a cello (copy of Domenico Montagnana) at the International Music Fair in Frankfurt
Gerd Knaust belongs to the most required master violin
makers in western Europe. Due to his deep knowledge and
understanding of the works of the old Italian masters, his manual
skill, his experience, his sensitivity and intuition in working out sound components,
he almost predestined for the reproduction of famous old instruments. He developed
his own celli from original samples of legendary masters, ( for instance Antonius
Stradivari, Matteo Goffriller,...