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Violin by Primo Contavalli, Imola 1950
A bold and modernist violin by Primo Contavalli, made in Imola in the 1950s and loosely based on the Guarneri ‘Del Gesù’ style. This instrument stands out with its angular corners, clear varnish, and decorative purfling beneath the fingerboard, tailpiece, and around the pegs. In our view, the artistic edgework and confident design give this violin a truly distinctive voice and character. More
Price
€35,000 EUR
All violins come with a certificate of authenticity
Audio
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Full description
This striking violin, made by Primo Contavalli in Imola during the 1950s, is a compelling example of his personal and modernist approach to violin making. Loosely inspired by the style of Guarneri ‘Del Gesù’, the model carries strong personality and expressiveness, yet diverges into a bolder, more architectural aesthetic.
The instrument features a two-piece maple back with a gentle, well-matched flame and a top carved from Italian spruce of fine and consistent grain. Its visual character is shaped by elongated, angular corners and a crisp outline, all highlighted by a clear, transparent varnish that enhances the precision of Contavalli’s craftsmanship.
One of the most distinctive features of this violin lies in its ornamental purfling—finely inlaid lines beneath the tailpiece and fingerboard, and decorative rings around the pegs at the scroll. These are elegant, almost graphic accents that speak to Contavalli’s modern sensibility and artistic confidence.
This violin blends a strong tonal voice with a unique visual identity, standing as both a reliable performance instrument and a captivating artistic statement for musicians and collectors seeking individuality with Italian roots.
Primo Contavalli
Primo Contavalli was an Italian luthier based in Imola, who gained recognition early in his career for his meticulous craftsmanship, making instruments admired for their rich and resonant sound.Learn more
dimensions
sound characteristics
Bright, Sweet and Round
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