Christian Friedrich Meinel was from Klingenthal and settled in Markneukirchen in 1730 after marrying Anna Rosina Schönfelder, the daughter of a violin maker. That same year, he was admitted to the violin makers’ guild as a master craftsman.
The prototype instrument is catalogued under Inv. No. 1.1.1.30 at the Bach House in Eisenach and is in its original condition, with the exception of the bridge, pegs, and tailpiece. It is a typical example of the Vogtland violin-making tradition. The neck extends into the body, with the upper ribs extending laterally into the neck foot and being glued in place with wedges. C. F. Meinel adhered to the Klingenthal style in the aesthetics of the model, which is quite evident in the shape of the instrument.