At Knilling, everything we do revolves around trust. With trust comes the responsibility to deliver a positive musical experience to the player and listener alike.
This responsibility is at the heart of what we do every single day.
Educators trust the Knilling name in their orchestra because it is synonymous with consistency. Parents rely on Knilling for their children because of its durability. Most importantly though, players young and old alike trust Knilling for its depth and quality of sound. Making a great violin or cello isn’t simply about tonewoods; a superb instrument starts with great wood, but is also crafted with care by skilled hands and finished with an attention to the finest details.
Knilling is more than a fine violin or expertly-figured bass. The Knilling family is dedicated to the sustained success of the Music Education community. Music Education is the backbone of every Fine Arts department; a strong Music Program turns young scholars into lifelong learners. Knilling is there to support every step along this special journey through our instruments, our educational materials, and our knowledgeable team. Knilling is the name we nurture, which is why Knilling is the name you trust.
Knilling was founded in St. Louis, 1922. It’s founder, Bernard Kornblum, had deep roots in both music and Europe, the very birthplace of the violin, naming his company for a well-known German luthier, Johannes Knilling. Over the past century, Knilling has focused on the quality and craftsmanship of their instruments and are known around the world for models with a fantastic aesthetic and excellent longevity. Knilling’s use and knowledge of tonewoods has worked in concert with their designs to achieve a range of focused sounds that students and professionals alike will enjoy.
Other innovations and commitment to quality lie in our custom shop in St. Louis. Every instrument is inspected and set up before shipping, and every order is prepared according to an educator or player’s needs. Customers can order specific tailpieces, pegs, bows and strings, and we stand by each instrument with an exceptional, limited lifetime warranty. As Knilling looks forward to another century of design, craftsmanship and innovation, we will continue to seek out ways to improve the user experience, to create instruments that inspire, and awaken music within our players.
Removing the barriers of old designs and paving a clearer way to practice, discovery and mastery is at the heart of Knilling’s purpose. As Knilling looks forward to another century of design, craftsmanship and innovation, we will continue to seek out ways to improve the user experience, to create instruments that inspire, and awaken music within our players.