Gli strumenti

Four voices,
one family

Each one carved, varnished and voiced by hand — from the brilliance of the violin to the depth of the double bass.

From the workbenchViolin · Opus 01
Violino The soprano Violins G · D · A · E ≈ 60 cm 7 instruments Discover Viola The alto Violas C · G · D · A 1 instrument Discover Violoncello The tenor Cellos C · G · D · A ≈ 124 cm 3 instruments Discover Contrabbasso The foundation Double basses E · A · D · G ≈ 180 cm 2 instruments Discover
V Cantabile The Maker Six years in Cremona, a year at the bench of Riccardo Bergonzi. Read the story IV Adagio The Craft From tonewood to the first note: how an instrument is made. Enter the workshop

Domande

All questions

Exhibited at Cremona Mondomusica 2012 · 2013

Commission

VioloncelloThe tenor

Handmade cellos

Handmade cellos with a rich, singing tone — the instrument closest to the human voice, carved and voiced by hand by Gregorio Martini.

Tuning
C · G · D · A
Body
≈ 75.5 cm
In the catalogue
3

Every instrument is unique · Prices on request

Cellos in the catalogue

La voce umanaThe human voice

The instrument closest to the human voice

From a deep bass to a singing upper register, the cello covers the range of every voice in a choir — which is why it is so often said to sing.

  • Soprano C4 – C6
  • Alto F3 – F5
  • Tenor C3 – C5
  • Baritone A2 – A4
  • Bass E2 – E4
  • Cello C2 – A5 +
Typical ranges. The cello reaches still higher in the hands of a soloist.

VioloncelloThe instrument

About the cello

The violoncello — the cello — is the tenor and bass voice of the violin family, tuned C, G, D and A an octave below the viola. Played seated, with the instrument resting on its endpin, it covers a range from deep, resonant bass notes to a singing upper register often compared to the human voice.

A cello is a large structure that must still vibrate freely. Gregorio Martini carves and graduates each plate by hand so that the instrument speaks easily, projects well and keeps its warmth across all four strings.

DomandeQuestions

Questions about the cello

All questions
01 What size cello does an adult play?

Adults usually play a full-size (4/4) cello, with a body length of about 75–76 cm. Smaller sizes are made for younger players.

02 Why is the cello said to be closest to the human voice?

Its range, from a deep bass to a singing upper register, covers much of the range of the human voice, and its tone is warm and expressive — which is why the comparison is so often made.

03 How should a cello be cared for?

Keep it in its case, away from heat and humidity changes, retract the endpin when it is not played, and have the set-up checked by a luthier at least once a year.

04 How can I find out the price?

Every instrument is unique, so prices are given on request. Write to mgviolinmaker@gmail.com for details, photographs and the price of any instrument.

Finale

Let us make an instrument that sounds like you.

Tell Gregorio about your playing, your repertoire and the voice you are searching for. Every commission begins with a conversation.

Start a commission mgviolinmaker@gmail.com