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 …
Erminio Farina (1885–1917): A Milanese Master Violin Maker Read More »
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, …
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 …
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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Pietro Sgarabotto (1903–1990) was an esteemed Italian luthier known for his contributions to the 20th-century violin-making tradition. Born in Parma, he was the son of Gaetano Sgarabotto, another highly respected violin maker. Pietro carried forward his father’s craftsmanship while developing his own refined style, influenced by both classical Cremonese techniques and modern innovations. Throughout his …
Paul Weidhaas was a distinguished German bow maker whose craftsmanship and artistry earned him international recognition. Born in 1894 in Markneukirchen, Germany—a town renowned for its deep-rooted tradition in instrument and bow making—he trained under his father before refining his skills through extensive work across Europe. Weidhaas apprenticed and collaborated with several master bow makers, …
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Pierre Guillaume is a bow maker known for his craftsmanship and dedication to the art of bow making. Born in 1954 in Belgium, Guillaume developed an interest in stringed instruments and their accessories at an early age. This interest led him to the craft of creating bows for violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. Guillaume …
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Domenico Montagnana (1686-1750), sometimes called “the mighty Venetian,” was actually born in the small town of Lendinara, Italy. Although his father was a shoemaker, Montagnana broke from family tradition and began making violins. It is unclear who Montagnana’s first mentor was, but by 1701, he had moved to Venice to take advantage of the city’s …
Matteo Goffriller (c.1659-1742) is the father of Venetian violin making. Born in the town of Bressanone (Brixen) in Tyrol, a region around the Italian-Austrian border, Goffriller may have received his initial training from Matthias Albani. In 1685, Goffriller moved to Venice to apprentice under Mathias Kaiser, another Tyrolean violin maker. He became very close with …
Benjamin Spilman’s professional history with string instruments dates back to 1974, when he began performing violin repairs at a shop in Oakland, CA. Five years later, he opened his own repair shop in Albany and then proceeded to start making instruments in 1983. Shortly after his initial foray into violin-making, Spilman met Thomas Oliver Croen, an …
