Carlo Carletti, Pieve di Cento c.1910-15

About the instrument:

Carlo Carletti was born in 1873 and made his first violin in 1890. At times, he modelled after Amati, Guarnerius and Stradivarius, but his preference was the Gennaro-Gagliano model and was equally successful with his own model. Producing over 600 specimens, the workmanship and contour is practically perfect with neat sound holes and exceedingly steady purfling and the finest artistry for varnish application.

The violin back, length 357mm, is in two pieces of quarter-sawn maple with a strong curl of narrow width; the ribs, scroll and neck of similar wood. The front is of medium grain spruce which broadens slightly towards the flanks and the varnish of a golden-brown colour.

Certificate from Carlson & Neumann, Cremona: “This violin is a good example of the work of Carlo Carletti of the period.”