Bow & Bridge Violin and bow makers, as the old books printed them

Scan 98

The Violin: Its Famous Makers and their Imitators, 1875

6 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 58. See the scan on archive.org.

1constructing Violins by means of a graduated perpendicular line similar to Wettengels; but no benefit has been derived from it.
3BALESTRIERI, Peter, Cremona. Scarce.
5BALESTRIERI, Thomas, middle of the 18th century. Said to have been a pupil of Stradiuarius, which is probable. The instruments of Balestrieri may be likened to those of Stradiuarius which were made during the last few years of his life, 1730—1737. The form of both is similar, and the ruggedness observable in the latter instruments is found, but in a more marked degree, in those of Balestrieri. These remarks, however, must not be considered to suggest that comparison can fairly be made between these two makers in point of merit, but merely to point out a general rough resemblance in the character of their works. The absence of finish in the instruments of Thomas Balestrieri is in a measure compensated by the presence of a style full of vigour. The wood which he used varies very much. A few Violins are handsome, but the majority are decidedly plain. The bellies were evidently selected with judgment, and have the necessary qualities for the production of good tone. The varnish seems to have been of two kinds, one resembling that of Guadagnini, the other, softer and rich in colour. The tone may be described as large and very telling, and when the instrument has had

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