David Tecchler – Violin Maker – Rome

Born in Bavaria, luthier David Tecchler (c.1666-1747) established himself in Rome by his late twenties. His early years remain a mystery, including the location of his training and even his real name (Tecchler is thought to be a Latinization of Dechler or Teckler). In Rome, Tecchler found a home among German artisans who had fled the Thirty Years War. He took advantage of the city’s booming string instrument market and emerged as one of the foremost violin-makers of the Roman school.

Tecchler’s instruments combine influences from Jacob Stainer and Nicolo Amati with elements of the Cremonese and Venetian schools. His model set the standard for the Roman style. There is no record of Tecchler hiring any assistants or apprentices, and he likely worked alone. Tecchler’s cellos are particularly sought after; however, they have larger proportions than modern cellos, and many have been cut down to reflect contemporary ratios.