Maker Background
Giovanni Lucchi was an Italian bow maker noted for founding the first school of bow making in Italy. He worked for several years as a musician and instructor, and in 1971, he began constructing and
restoring bows. He went to Brienz, Switzerland, to apprentice under Siegfried Finkel.
Lucchi trained as a double bassist, graduating from the Conservatorio Statale di Musica "Gioachino Rossini" in Pesaro in 1963. He worked for several years as a musician and instructor, and in 1971, he began constructing and restoring bows. He went to Brienz, Switzerland, to apprentice under S. Finkel. In 1976, Lucchi founded a school for bowmaking in Cremona, Italy, where he taught bow construction, maintenance, restoration, and style and design courses. In 1983, Lucchi invented the Lucchi Meter, a device used to measure the speed of sound in wood that has become a standard tool for bow makers. Lucchi was active within the community of luthiers and bowmakers, holding various posts among professional societies and writing and often speaking in journals and conferences relating to the art. Giovanni Lucchi died on August 2nd, 2012. He left a great legacy for the bow-making scenario. Professional activities Secretary, Italian Association of Violin and Bow Makers (1991 to 1992). President, Violin and Bow Makers of the Artisans' Association of the Province of Cremona (1991 to 1998). Representative for Cremona to the Triennale Assembly. Member of the European Association of Master Violin and Bow Makers.
