Frequently asked questions

Gregorio Martini makes the four voices of the violin family entirely by hand: violins, violas, cellos and double basses. Each instrument is built individually, from the choice of tonewood to the final set-up.

He spent six years in the advanced violin-making course of the International School of Violin Making "Antonio Stradivari" in Cremona, Italy, under master Aromatico, followed by a one-year internship in the atelier of Riccardo Bergonzi. His contact with Alessandro Ciciliati of the Ferrara school had a lasting influence on his style.

Yes. A commission begins with a conversation about your playing, your repertoire and the sound you are looking for. Together you choose the model, the wood and the colour of the varnish, and the instrument is then made for you alone.

Following the classical tradition, the top is carved from spruce, while the back, ribs and scroll are carved from maple — often flamed maple, whose figure shimmers under the varnish. The fingerboard and fittings are usually ebony.

Building a violin by hand takes many weeks of bench work, followed by the slow layering and curing of the varnish. The timing for each commission is agreed at the very first conversation.

Each instrument is unique, so prices are given on request. Send the opus number of the instrument you are interested in to mgviolinmaker@gmail.com and you will receive full details, additional photographs and the price.