All KG stringed instruments, from the fractional sizes for young beginners up to the top grade master pieces, are fully handcrafted by our highly skilled craftsmen according to traditional methods. The various grades we supply reflect the quality of the tonewood initially chosen, as well as the level of attention given to the production, final finishing and varnishing stages of the violin making process.
In order to make the instrument grading as straightforward as possible, KG have adopted a simple numbering system which ranges from #80 to #500… the higher the number, the higher the grade.
All stringed instruments in the #500 range are carefully handcrafted by our most experienced makers, using the best possible seasoned tonewood selected from our large stock of timber. These instruments are modeled on specific Cremonese examples and each may be created with its own unique appearance.
The #400 instruments are also handcrafted striged instruments that are made by our most experienced makers with the same attention to detail as the #500 series. While the very best timber is reserved for the #500 series, all of the instruments in the #400 range use tonewoods that have been carefully selected for superior tonal qualities and appearance.
Stringed Instruments in the #300 range are fully handcrafted – the spruce fronts have a very even grain, while the back, sides and neck are well-flamed maple. They have a hand-brushed oil varnish with a lightly antiqued finish and are ideally suited for the advanced student.
The #200 range of instruments are suitable for intermediate students and are coated in a lightly antiqued varnish. The maple used in their construction is nicely flamed and the spruce has an even grain.
The #100 models are handcrafted stringed instruments designed to cater for the beginning player up to an intermediate standard. These are available in all sizes from 1/4 to full size (4/4). There is also an upgraded violin model (#150) that can be supplied as a full kit or as an unassembled violin. Violins and cellos are also available as an #80 model which is similar in construction to the #100 instruments, except the wood has some minor blemishes.