Dolce Violins

Moses Sedler

The Finkel Workshop: A Five-Generation Legacy in Fine Bow Making

Nestled in the Swiss village of Schwanden, the Finkel Bow Workshop stands as one of the most respected names in modern bow making. With roots reaching back to 19th-century Germany, the workshop embodies five generations of refined craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation—serving musicians across the globe. Origins in Markneukirchen The story begins in Markneukirchen, Germany, a …

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Ferdinando Garimberti (1894–1982): A Master of the Milanese Violin Making Tradition

Ferdinando Garimberti was a renowned Italian luthier recognized for his exceptional craftsmanship and significant contributions to 20th-century violin making. Born on January 6, 1894, in Mamiano di Traversetolo, Parma, he moved with his family to Milan in 1902. Initially working as a carpenter and blacksmith, he developed an interest in violin making around 1910, after …

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Giuseppe Castagnino (1883–1966): A Master of the Genoa Violin Making Tradition

Giuseppe Castagnino was an Italian luthier recognized for his distinctive craftsmanship and significant contributions to the Genoese school of violin making in the early to mid-20th century. Born in Chiavari in 1883, he was introduced to woodworking through his father, a carpenter and cooper who also crafted musical instruments as a hobby. This early exposure …

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Leandro Bisiach (1864–1945): Master Luthier and Leader of the Milanese Violin Revival

Leandro Bisiach was a distinguished Italian luthier who played a key role in the revival of Italian violin making in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on June 16, 1864, in Casale Monferrato, Italy, he initially trained as a violinist before turning to instrument making. His first violin, crafted independently, received great praise, …

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Giuseppe Fiorini (1861–1934): Master Luthier and Guardian of Stradivari’s Legacy

Giuseppe Fiorini was an Italian luthier renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship and pivotal role in reviving Italian violin making. Born in Bazzano, Emilia-Romagna, he trained under his father, Raffaele Fiorini, and crafted his first violin at 16. Establishing his workshop in Bologna in 1877, he gained international recognition, earning top awards at exhibitions. In 1888, …

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Riccardo Antoniazzi (1853–1912): A Founding Figure of Modern Milanese Violin Making

Riccardo Antoniazzi was a distinguished Italian luthier who played a pivotal role in the transition of violin making from Cremona to Milan in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on December 19, 1853, in Cremona, he was the eldest son of Gaetano Antoniazzi, a respected violin maker trained under Enrico Ceruti. Growing up …

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Erminio Farina (1885–1917): A Milanese Master Violin Maker

Erminio Farina (1885–1917) was a distinguished Italian luthier associated with the Milanese school of violin making in the early 20th century. He developed his craft under the guidance of Riccardo Antoniazzi while working for the firm of Monzino and Sons in Milan. His skill and dedication led him to become Antoniazzi’s close assistant, particularly as …

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Mario Capicchioni Violin Maker (1926–2022)

Mario Capicchioni was an Italian luthier known for continuing the violin-making tradition established by his father, Marino Capicchioni. Born in 1926 in San Marino, he grew up surrounded by the craft and began working alongside his father in their Rimini workshop in the 1940s. Under Marino’s guidance, he developed a deep understanding of the art, …

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Professional Violas from Minneapolis/St. Paul

The state of Minnesota has long been home to a vibrant and thriving community of luthiers—highly skilled artisans who dedicate their lives to crafting exceptional string instruments. While many may associate fine instrument making with European workshops or historic American violin-making centers like New York or Chicago, Minnesota—particularly the Twin Cities—has cultivated its own rich …

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Roger and Max Millant: Masters of French Violin Making and Expertise

Roger and Max Millant: Masters of French Violin Making and Expertise Roger Millant (1901–1990) and Max Millant (1903–unknown) were distinguished figures in the world of French violin making and bow craftsmanship. As members of a renowned family of luthiers, they upheld and advanced the traditions of fine French string instrument craftsmanship. Brothers Roger and Max …

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