Johann Ulrich Eberle c. 1735

Description

Johann Ulrich Eberle (1699–1768) was a highly regarded luthier in Prague during the 18th century, known for crafting instruments that combined influences from both the Italian and German violin-making traditions.
Eberle was born in Vils, near Füssen, Germany, a region with a strong tradition of string instrument making. Füssen was a key center for luthiers, with many craftsmen moving across Europe to establish their own workshops.
Like many skilled luthiers from Füssen, Eberle settled in Prague, which had a thriving musical culture and was home to a number of highly regarded violin makers. He became a notable citizen in Prague.

It is believed that he trained under Thomas Edlinger, another prominent Prague-based maker whose work strongly influenced the region’s violin-making style.
Eberle’s violins are his best-known works, often modeled after Stradivari and Amati instruments. They feature beautifully executed scrolls, well-proportioned arching, and a refined varnish application. He also made violas and cellos, which share similar characteristics – high-quality tonewoods, a warm and balanced sound, and elegant craftsmanship.
Eberle’s double basses are exceptionally rare and highly sought after. We know of another example similar to ours, with the same kind of Viola d’amore sound holes, in the Metropolitan Museum’s collection.

Eberle’s varnish was mostly light brown on yellow base, but also reddish-brown, deep red and deep brown, sometimes with a violet tint.
Like many top luthiers of his time, he used fine spruce for the tops and well-flamed, often bird’ s eye maple for the backs and ribs, ensuring structural stability and excellent resonance.
Prague in the 18th century was a hotbed of classical music and instrument-making, with growing demand for fine string instruments.
Alongside contemporaries like Johann Georg Hellmer and the Edlinger family, Eberle contributed to establishing Prague as a respected center of violin and bass making.

His work is distinct from Germanic makers of the time due to its Italian influence, yet it retains some Central European characteristics, such as slightly broader proportions.
Eberle’s instruments are highly prized today. His violins are often compared to the work of top Italian makers of his era, making them sought-after by musicians and collectors. His instruments occasionally surface in auctions, with authenticated examples fetching significant prices.
Some later Prague-based luthiers (including 19th-century makers) continued to draw inspiration from his models and craftsmanship.