1952 Paul Toenniges Violin by Bruno Franz Paulus

Paul Toenniges was born in De Kalb, Illinois in 1908. Paul began his studies of instrument making under the promptings of renown violinmaker Carl Becker Sr., his brother-in-law.

Toenniges worked alongside some of the greatest names in American violinmakers and restorers while working at William Lewis & Son in Chicago from 1926 to 1940. While there, Paul established himself as an excellent repairman and fine bass maker.

He moved to Los Angeles in 1945, where he worked at the Rudolf Wurlitzer branch from 1946 to 1950. Finally, in 1950, Paul opened his own shop, which he named Studio City Music.

This fine violin was crafted in his shop in 1952 by Bruno Franz Paulus, and shows no signs of any cracks or major repairs. 

Lightweight, responsive, and articulate, this violin was the main instrument of a long time Asheville area traditional music historian, teacher, and author.

Currently set up with D'Addario Helicore strings. 

Original case included.