Western Europe is the birthplace of classical music — from centuries-old traditions of composition and performance to a long-standing legacy of exceptional instrument craftsmanship. While professional violinists often seek out historic instruments from Italy, France, and Germany, many tend to overlook those built in the Bohemian and Southern Moravian regions of the Czech Republic — most notably from Schönbach (Luby u Chebu), Prague, and Brno (Brünn).
Around the turn of the century (late 1800s to early 1900s), many of these instruments were handmade, even when produced in large workshops. Although violins from the Bohemian region do not share the centuries-old traditions of those made in Saxony (the Markneukirchen school) or France (the Mirecourt school), there are many instruments from Bohemia dating between the 1880s and 1930s whose tonal quality rivals that of their Western European counterparts — and at a far more affordable price.
These instruments are often left out of discussion compared to the schools mentioned above due to their relatively short-lived legacy, the lack of world-famous soloists playing them, and the political turmoil following World War II and the onset of the Iron Curtain, which caused irreversible damage to violin-making workshops in the Czech Republic.
One such workshop that was torn apart with the rise of communism was the Ladislav F. Prokop workshop, a father-and-son workshop originating in the Schönbach region. The name “Ladislav F. Prokop” spans generations: while many are familiar with the younger Ladislav F. Prokop (born in 1909), others recall his father of the same name, born in 1874.
As mentioned above, many Bohemian violins were handmade even when produced in large workshops — and this violin is no exception. This instrument features a more curved back plate, producing a tone richer in fundamental frequencies. It was fully refurbished in December 2025, including a new ebony fitting set (chinrest, fingerboard, and pegs), fingerboard adjustment and polishing, fingerboard resurfacing, and Larsen strings. Its front plate is made up of pine wood, while its back plate made up from maple.
The bow accompanying this violin dates from the 1920s, complementing the violin’s origin, and was also restored in December 2025. It features a round stick made of pernambuco wood, silver-plated winding, and new Mongolian horsehair. It’s length is 73cm and light at the tip, making it compatible for any full sized violin.
The violin is housed in a Pasadena case. Its construction features a durable synthetic outer fabric, while the interior is lined with plush (red color) and includes a place for two bow holders and an accessory compartment. The case is also equipped with a spacious exterior pocket. Easy transport is ensured by a comfortable handle and sturdy shoulder straps.
For a heavier but more authentic alternative, the violin can also be supplied in a case that it was bought in. The case originates from 1958, with its interior also lined with plush (yellow color). Unlike the Pasadena case, it does not habe shoulder straps and a spacious exterior pocket. Photos showing the bow and the case can be viewed below.
| Description | Measurement (in cm) |
| Instrument | 58.5 |
| Body | 26 |
| Strings (from the start of the fingerboard to the bridge) | 34 |
| F holes: distance between upper eyes | 3.9 |
| F holes: distance between lower eyes | 13 |
| Width – upper bout | 15.5 |
| Width – C bout | 11 |
| Width – lower bout | 18 |
| Ribs | 3.2 |
| Distance between fingerboard and body | 1.95 |
VIOLIN
BOW
CASE FROM 1958
SOUND COMPARISON
As mentioned earlier, the Ladislav F. Prokop violin has a curved back plate, producing richer tones in the fundamental frequencies. Below is a sound comparison with my violin, made in the 1920s in the Václav Kunc workshop (Moravian Ostrava). This violin is also an excellent instrument, although it is not crafted with the same level of precision as the Ladislav F. Prokop violin. Its sound does not have as rich a color. In the second audio example, the lower A note is more vibrant compared to the first recording. In the fourth recording, the violin has a darker-sounding G-string range.
PRICING
Pricing solely reflects the violin’s value. Currently, the violin is located in Prague, Czech Republic. It can also be safely shipped to Brooklyn, New York, in mid-January 2026.
Shipping
- Prague, Czech Republic (in-person): 0% upfront payment before receiving the instrument
- Brooklyn, NY (in-person): 70% upfront payment before receiving the instrument
- Worldwide: 100% upfront payment before receiving the instrument. Additional shipping payment applies after shipping the instrument to your address
LADISLAV F. PROKOP VIOLIN SET
Includes: Violin, bow, and a choice of the Pasadena case or its case from 1958
3730 USD / 3200 EUR / 77000 CZK
LADISLAV F. PROKOP VIOLIN
Includes: Violin and a choice of the Pasadena case or its 1958 case
2900 USD / 2500 EUR / 60000 CZK
CONTACT
For any additonal questions regarding the violin set or the violin itself, please don’t hesitate to write me a message at:
Email: kotikben@gmail.com
Phone: +420 739 185 924 (Whatsapp)
Recording Artist, Composer, Musician 