European Excellence for the Modern Student
European Excellence for the Modern Student
Knilling has partnered with expert Romanian makers to produce instruments in the European lutherie tradition for over 40 years. Bucharest instruments are produced in a region with a rich violin making heritage that utilizes unique, seasoned Carpathian tonewoods. These materials provide a beautiful sound and extraordinary stability often lacking in student instruments. Every piece is built to withstand the rigors of young musicians and we’re proud to hear stories of Bucharest instruments still serving students after decades of use.
Following their journey from Romania to our St. Louis facility, instruments are set up and adjusted by Knilling Shop artisans. Our team thoroughly examines each Bucharest and fits the bridge and pegs. The curves of the fingerboard, height of the nut, projection of the strings and placement of the soundpost are all checked against our detailed requirements. These specifications have been developed by generations of luthiers and educators and are critically important to the performance of the instruments.
We take great care to ensure that they are being met on each and every Bucharest.
For 2025, we have introduced Bucharest outfits with upgraded components to better meet the needs of contemporary students. The quality and integrity for which Bucharest is known is now combined with the premium components and accessories most requested by educators. We’re thrilled to bring Bucharest into an exciting new era.
Knilling Bucharest is a pillar of our history, long renowned among educators for its European build quality and durability. But Bucharest outfits remained unchanged for years and were no longer reflecting the current preferences of many string educators. In response, we’ve built upon Bucharest’s core strengths and reinvigorated the line’s look, feel and performance. These upgraded outfits provide students with a high-quality experience that encourages practice and progress on their musical journeys.
Bucharest violins, violas, and cellos will now feature Wittner Ultra tailpieces. This lightweight composite tailpiece improves tuning functionality while enhancing the appearance and upgrading the harmonic resonance of every instrument.
Thomastik-Dominant strings are the most widely approved strings by educators and will now come standard on all new Bucharest violin and viola outfits. The balance between warmth and brilliance makes Dominant strings the perfect choice for students developing their sound.
Bridges are responsible for 20% of the acoustic output of an instrument. Bucharest violin, viola, and cello outfits will now include the upgraded Despiau One-Tree bridge. The superior wood quality of this component along with its expert fitting in our Knilling Shop will improve the musicality of every Bucharest instrument.
The plastic ebonite chinrest long included with Bucharest violins and violas has been replaced with a new ebony, Dresden-style chinrest. Upgrading to ebony improves comfort for the player and reflects the premium look and feel of the new Bucharest.
The new J. Rémy Standard braided carbon fiber bow is now included with all Bucharest outfits. The upgraded bow will support a wider range of bowing techniques and will serve advancing students for years of musical development.
Knilling’s Professional Rosin will be added to new Bucharest outfits. Made to the highest European standard, this cloth-wrapped, German-made rosin improves tone production and playability for advancing students.
New Bucharest violin and viola outfits will now ship in an oblong Knilling ABS case. Designed for increased durability, efficient storage, and maximum protection, this case responds the needs of contemporary string educators.
