Dolce Violins

Moses Sedler

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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Pietro Sgarabotto Violin Maker (1903–1990)

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 …

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Paul Weidhaas (1894–1962) – Master German Bow Maker

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 – Master Bow Maker and Bow Expert

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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