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Violin by Mario Gadda, Mantua 1982
Price
€25,000 EUR
All violins come with a certificate of authenticity
Full description
This refined violin by Mario Gadda, made in Mantova in 1982, is a stylistic interpretation of Giuseppe Ornati’s distinguished Milanese model. The instrument features elegant, relatively low arching that supports clarity and projection, while the finely sculpted and tastefully defined edgework closely follows Ornati’s disciplined aesthetic. The scroll and f-holes are likewise inspired by Ornati’s style, executed with precision and harmonious proportion.
The violin is crafted from excellent materials, with a two-piece back of deeply and evenly flamed maple and a fine-grained spruce top. It is finished in a thin, luminous golden-orange varnish with subtle antiquing, enhancing both transparency and warmth.
Tonally, it offers a powerful, focused, bright, and clean sound, distinguished by immediate responsiveness and ease under the bow. Preserved in mint condition, this example represents a fine modern Italian instrument, well-suited to the demanding performer.
dimensions
Back Length
354 mm
Upper Bout
167 mm
Center Bout
111 mm
Lower Bout
206 mm
String Length
326 mm
sound characteristics
Bright, Sweet and Direct.
Audio
00:00/
Made by
Mario Gadda
Born in Mantua in 1931, Mario Gadda started his studies in violin making with his father Gaetano Gadda at the age of 16. Known worldwide he made around 500 instruments to players and orchestras.
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Violin bow by Marc Laberte, Mirecourt 1940
By Marc Laberte |
This fine violin bow by Marc Laberte, made in Mirecourt in the 1940s, represents the solid craftsmanship and practical elegance of the French workshop tradition during the early 20th century. Produced within the respected Laberte-Humbert Frères atelier, it reflects the disciplined construction and reliability that made Mirecourt bows widely appreciated among professional and advanced musicians.
The round stick is carved from Pernambuco of a vivid brown color, selected for its balanced density and resilience. The wood offers an excellent combination of strength and flexibility, giving the bow a stable and confident character. The head follows the traditional French outline, cleanly defined and well proportioned, expressing the straightforward and functional aesthetic typical of Laberte’s work of this period.
Mounted in silver, the bow features a classical ebony frog fitted with a mother-of-pearl eye and a matching ebony and silver button. The fittings are executed in the refined Mirecourt style, combining durability with understated elegance. This example remains in excellent condition, preserving its original integrity and craftsmanship.
In playing, the bow offers a steady and reliable response, with secure articulation and balanced control across the string. Its dependable and robust character makes it particularly suitable for musicians seeking consistency and stability in daily performance.
A very good and representative example of Marc Laberte’s mid-century production, this bow stands as a testament to the enduring practicality and musical effectiveness of the Mirecourt bow-making tradition.
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