Violin by Salvatore Valentinetti, Ortona, 2001

About Salvatore Valentinetti

Salvatore Valentinetti came to violin making through a lifelong involvement with music. Born into a musical family, he trained as a violinist and worked professionally as a musician. His first experience of instrument making came when a quartet he played with needed a mandola: after visiting a workshop in Naples, he returned home to Ortona and decided to make one himself. From there he began studying historic instruments and went on to make more than thirty lutes and related instruments.

Valentinetti later turned his attention to violin making, developing close connections with the makers of Cremona and spending time there to refine his craft. He was welcomed into the workshops of established luthiers and attended courses in both violin and bow making. He also helped establish an important tradition of violin-making exhibitions in Ortona, beginning with an exhibition at Palazzo Farnese in 1983 and followed by a national conference in 1987. He continued making instruments into old age and was still working regularly in his workshop in 2018.

About the violin

This violin was made in Ortona in 2001 and is an interpretation of the late work of Guarneri 'del Gesù'. The violin is in complete Baroque setup.

The violin has a two-piece back of quarter-sawn maple with relatively narrow flame. The ribs and scroll are of similar wood and the front is two pieces of medium-grained spruce. The varnish is a vivid red in colour, laid over a lighter golden ground.

The violin has a length of back of 357 mm.

How does it sound?

This is a flexible, characterful instrument with excellent projection. It is very responsive and has a good amount of texture to the sound.

Condition

The violin is in excellent original condition.

More information

For more options, please view other violins in this price range.