For sale, a very fine violin by George Gemunder. The label states that it was  made for the New Orleans Exposition, constructed in Astoria, New York, 1884. This instrument was the primary concert instrument of John Sherba, retired Kronos Quartet violinist of 45 years and used exclusively by him since 1980. 
He writes this about the instrument.
“ I was fortunate to purchase this Guarneri inspired violin in 1980. Jacque Francais was overseeing its sale and shipped it out to San Francisco. After a short trial, I bought it immediately. Since 1980 it has been heard and played in most of the world’s concert venues. It’s so consistent from climate to climate, a great traveler, very much a players instrument. I find the sound very rich, ringing, having a lot of depth, darkness, brilliance and clarity. It records well and is easy to play. (not a cumbersome thick neck) The violin was used in all of Kronos Quartets many premieres- Different Trains, Gorecki, Piazzola,Riley,Glass……….
It is featured on over 80 Kronos cds including the two Grammy winners Berg Lyric Suite and Laurie Andersons Landfall. The violin is also heard on 7 other Grammy nominated cds. Since its initial presence
at the New Orleans Exposition this instrument has had a very rich history. Gemunder was born in Ingelfingen Germany 1816. He moved to Paris in 1843 and became J.B. Vuillaume’s top assistant. While in Paris he was exposed to many fine Cremonese instruments. Rumor has it that he also studied with the great Hungarian maker Samuel Nemessanyi. 
After moving to Boston, NYC and finally Astoria New York he established himself as the preeminent American violinmaker. Maude Powell, after parting ways with a temperamental Italian instrument, played and recorded on a Gemunder in the 1920’s. From her hands it spent many years in the Ford violin collection in Detroit. I think it’s being played again. I hope to find someone who will play and care for this instrument. It should continue to be heard and enjoyed by audiences.”
-John Sherba