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

ViolaThe alto

Handmade violas

Handmade violas with a deep, dark-hued voice — built by hand in the classical tradition by Cremona-trained luthier Gregorio Martini.

Tuning
C · G · D · A
Body
≈ 38–45.5 cm
In the catalogue
1

Every instrument is unique · Prices on request

Violas in the catalogue

Su misura Your viola, made to measure Start a commission

Tre veduteThree views

Turn the viola

A luthier judges an instrument from every side: the cut of the f-holes, the line of the arching, the flame of the maple. Drag the viola, or choose a view.

Spruce top, f-holes cut by hand

See the viola Opus 01
Handmade viola by Gregorio Martini, front view Handmade viola by Gregorio Martini, side view Handmade viola by Gregorio Martini, back view

ViolaThe instrument

About the viola

The viola is the alto voice of the violin family, tuned a fifth below the violin to C, G, D and A. Slightly larger than a violin, it is prized for its veiled, dark and warm tone, which binds the harmony of the string quartet and the orchestra together.

Because the ideal viola would be too large to play comfortably, every maker has to balance size, response and depth of sound. Gregorio Martini's violas are designed for that balance: comfortable under the hand, with a rich and resonant lower register.

DomandeQuestions

Questions about the viola

All questions
01 How is a viola different from a violin?

The viola is larger and tuned a fifth lower, to C, G, D and A. It reads mostly in the alto clef and has a darker, warmer, more veiled voice that binds the harmony of the string quartet and the orchestra.

02 What size viola should I choose?

Violas are measured by body length — from about 38 cm up to 45.5 cm for the largest models. The right size balances depth of sound with comfort under the hand, so it is chosen around the player: arm length, hand span and the voice you are looking for.

03 Can a viola be made to measure?

Yes. A commissioned viola can be built to the size, model and colour that suit you, after a conversation about your playing and the sound you are looking for.

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