Masakichi Suzuki

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Masakichi Suzuki became interested in violins at the age of 14. His first instrument was based on Brescian lines and featured a slab cut front. He established himself professionally in 1888, employing several craftsmen. In 1889, he opened showrooms in Tokyo, followed by a new factory in 1890. He successfully exhibited in Chicago in 1893. He designed and manufactured machines that facilitated the mass ...Read More production of instruments for export to Europe. Two additional factories were established in 1916. He received a gold medal in Philadelphia in 1927. After 1945, the factory was divided between the Nagoya Suzuki Co., managed by his son Umeo (b. 1889, d. 1981), and the Kiso Suzuki Co., led by another son, Kikuo. His original hand-made instruments have become quite valuable. Mass-produced instruments continue to be made in large quantities for export, generally modeled on classical Stradivari designs with a clear bright orange-red varnish. He was influential in promoting the acceptance of the western violin in the oriental world. His son Shinichi developed the successful 'Suzuki Method' for teaching young children. Read Less

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