Gaetano Gadda violin, Mantova 1940

Gaetano Gadda, one of Italy’s most prolific and important twentieth century violin makers, was the heir and only true pupil of Stefano Scarampella. In 1940 when this violin was made, Scarampella still exerted a huge influence on Gadda’s work, despite his death 15 years before. This can be seen in the full but elegant arching, the beautifully cut ‘f’ holes with their tapering wings, the roundness and warmth of the edges and corners, and the vigour of the scroll. The tone is brilliant and projecting, with a silvery sheen and a resonant richness on the E string. It is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity by Jacques Français.