Gamut Instruments - Guarneri del Gesù-Model Violin

Bartolomeo Giuseppe “del Gesù” Guarneri made some of the most interesting and mysterious violins in the 18th century. His life and work has been the subject of myth and legend since his death in 1744. The instruments he left us are perhaps the most creative and artistic, certainly the most individual, of the Golden age of Cremonese violin making.

The instrument I have chosen as a model here is an early example of del Gesù's work. The original instrument is known as the “Stretton” violin and was made in 1726 or 1729. It is a bold design resulting in a full, powerful tone.

Gamut instruments are made with fine materials with careful attention to detail. Before varnishing the instrument is coated with a silicate ground that was developed by David Rubio and has come to be known as the “Rubio Soup.” The varnish I use is made from dark Baltic amber resin according to a 16th century formula and colored in between coats with a madder-lake distilled according to the method devised by David and Nest Rubio.

Gamut Guarneri del Gesù-Model Violin:

Modeled after: del Gesù “Stretton” Violin, c. 1726 – 1729 – Owned by the Stretton Society, Düsseldorf