Time to discuss an early luthier from northern Italy- Gio Paolo Maggini, 1590-1640. He lived and worked in Brecia and produced fine instruments with double purfling. Northern Italy from Lombardy to the Veneto was a area of innovation , great design, and energy. Early makers specialized in viols but a few, such as Maggini and Gaspar da Salo, worked on violas and violins.
Venice was nearby offering materials such as maple, spruce, resins for varnishes, and capable tools. A long tradition of workmanship was in place and increasing prosperity meant a market for stringed instruments.
At Violins of Plymouth, a Maggini reproduction was among the first projects! This violin speaks with a strong clear voice. It compares favorably with reproductions of later instruments.
The Brecia instrument activity (and G.P.) did not survive the arrival of the bubonic plague; later activity was restarted in Cremona.
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