Paolo de Barbieri Violin, Genoa 1935

This is a fine modern Italian violin by Paolo de Barbieri – it’s in excellent condition, and the sound is at once smooth and brilliant.

Paolo de Barbieri is a maker whose work is highly individual, and it’s hard to confuse his instruments with anyone else’s. This violin, as with many of his instruments from 1930 onwards, is built on a personal model loosely based on Stradivari – it has very pronounced and accurate edgework, long and wide corners to table and back, and robust yet somehow mellow arching.

This violin retains its original bridge and pegs – de Barbieri always made his own boxwood pegs. You can scroll through the photos to see the brands on the bridge, at the tailpin and next to the label.

The condition is exemplary – no cracks or damages, and just a few chips in the varnish. This is also very typical for de Barbieri, who used an unctious but rather fragile oil varnish.

Soundwise this is a big and muscular violin with a pure, even and highly projecting voice. The tone is consistent throughout the register and the articulation is excellent. Very focused and clear, but with enough colour in the sound to remain friendly to the player…

This is a violin for a big stage and a strong player – perfect for a budding soloist.