Varagnolo Ferruccio Padovano Italian Trade Violin circa 1910

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The Ferruccio violin is an attractive instrument made in the region of Padovano where Ferruccio was a student of Bisiach. The violin shows good craftsmanship and is in in very good condition. The gradual arching of the plates helps bring about a power and mature tone. The spruce top plate has a grain that is fine and straight. The back is two-piece curly maple and is matched in the ribs, neck, and scroll. We have finished the violin in rosewood fittings, and the pegs are accented with pearwood pins and collars. The tailpiece has a pearwood fret. The varnish is well preserved, showing signs of being played – a good sign, with some patina and age. The oil varnish is golden orange/brown on an amber/yellow ground.

Corpus 358.0 mm., Major Width 206.0 mm., Minor Width 166.0 mm., Rib Height 30.0 mm.

This is a well-balanced violin with a clear and slightly fiery voice. The instrument is smooth and easy to play. The voices resonate (the strings) in a uniform way and the instrument has great response. Its overall character is slightly bright, but there is a satisfying gutsy core. The G string is powerful and lush and there are no weak spots on any of the strings. The violin has a genuine expressive and sophisticated sound which really responded with a bow in the 61.0 to 62.5 gram bow weight. I was using sterling silver mounted sticks which made the violin really respond. Yup, I love the bottom end of the violin and the top puts out too in a way that shimmers in the sweetness of tone. This violin will be a great fit for an up-and-coming player.