Customer Reviews

Masterpieces of Italian Violin Making (1620-1850)

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Violin picture books are usually incredibly expensive. Not only is this one disproportionately inexpensive (for a violin book, which category uses a whole different $$ scale than most people use--$500 books are common) but it's beautifully done, with great photos, and a wide spectrum of important violins from important makers. This one is near the top of my list.

but any quality violin books of note will be, especially since they are printed in such limited quantity.

Being a lover of the violin art form and the music, and not so much of a player, this book was highly recommended to me by Brian Newman of www.strad.com. I have been buying a few violins, I am learning to play, and may also view it as an investment. As an expert in the makes, makers, and periods of stringed instruments, Brian recommended that I study this book along with a few others to get a true idea and to develope and "eye" for the Italian look and style. Superbly photographed and reproduced, this is a must have for any lover of the violin music or art form.

With countless fakes and worthless copies out there, I have gained a little more insight as to what to look for and what to "look out" for in regards to authenticity.

I'm sure I'll never own an authentic strad or Maggini, but there some wonderful Italian, both early and modern, makers out there worth pursuing.

And being that we are planning another trip to Italy, my wife and I now have a few more places to add to our agenda...Cremona is near the top.

This is one of the best violin books that I've seen. It offers beautiful photos and useful (and concise) information. The book features the works of a variety of Italian violin makers. The best part about this book is the price. Most violin books with this quality of photos will run over $500.