Tomasso Carcassi Violin, Florence circa 1775

This is a fine violin by the Florentine maker Tomaso Carcassi – it’s in good restored condition and the sound is exceptional.

In spite of its huge importance as a financial and cultural centre, Florence wasn’t big on violin makers. And of the few who worked there in the 18th century, only Gabrielli and the Carcassi brothers were productive enough for their instruments to be well known to the contemporary musician.

However, these were great makers who produced beautiful sounding instruments, and Tomaso was without doubt the most accomplished of them all.

This example is quite typical – a small model with a dark nut-brown varnish, very bold edges, and a uniquely elongated geometry to the body and the head.

I can’t claim this instrument meets our usual standards for condition – there are numerous cracks to the table, all safely restored, though exceptionally there’s no post crack or bassbar crack. There are a couple of small repairs to the ribs, but the back is undamaged and the original varnish is very well preserved.

All of the instruments on our website have to earn their place – generally this means great condition and great sound. But ultimately sound is what matters, and it will always win out over condition.

This violin is a bit of a Dolly Parton – it’s had some work, a nip and tuck here and there, but it has the voice and the soul of an angel. From the first bow stroke I was in love!

There’s a rare and addictive quality to the timbre, rich and woody but also super-articulate and crisp. It’s not a violin for a lazy player as it will respond to every nuance of pitching and bow stroke, but that’s what makes it great – it’s highly expressive and ultra-dynamic. Keep a firm hand on the wheel and the ride is exhilarating – loosen your grip and you’re going to end up in a ditch.

This would be a great violin for a quartet player – it has a noble, emotive sound and a thoroughbred temperament… Italian to the core!