G. P. Maggini Violins..

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.

Violins of Plymouth first post!

Violins of Plymouth first post!

The Violins of Plymouth blog begins here.....

Time out from violin making for the "first blog post" describing the first ten years of my violins and violas. Blogspot looks good for a blogging tool. I have lots of photos of fiddles in various states of fabrication. And lots of help in digital photography and blogging. Many friends expect this blog and are interested in specific instruments! Your suggestions and questions will help as there are so many pithy topics.

Violins are about 500 years old in western Europe. As they were introduced and became capable, virtuoso players performed and great composers wrote! Violin design progressed to meet new requirements and to utilize better materials, all good blog topics!

Now, which blog topics should I include? Maybe, how and why I started. What space and "shop tools" did I need? What materials including wood and varnish should be used? Next, how do I choose a candidate reproduction. What is an early violin? Which makers are interesting? How do I match oil finishes? Arching? F-holes? Scrolls? What strings should be considered?

Stay tuned for lots more!