The Stringed Instrument Company

Long-term tradition, particularly in Germany but also in France, saw violins made with carved heads by independent woodcarvers, each with a distinctive style.

This tradition extends back to the era of the viols (15th century).

The most common design is the lion’s head, though figures such as Mozart and early violin maker Duiffoprugcar were also used.

We have examples of all three.

We currently have two fine young Italian violins by Giulio Degani in our shop.

Giulio Ettore Degani (1875–1959)
Italian violin maker, trained by his father Eugenio in Venice. After taking over the family workshop, Degani emigrated to the USA in 1915, working for Wurlitzer in New York and later independently in Atlantic City and Cincinnati. His early violins follow his father’s style, while later work shows a bolder, more personal character with flatter edges, shorter corners and stronger scrolls.

Venice 1899: This violin was made just two years before Eugenio’s death and shows the elegance and individuality Giulio shared with his father during this period. The finely carved scroll and distinctive rolled chamfers of the pegbox give this instrument strong character. Typical of Giulio’s Venetian work, the tone is clear, bell like and projecting with warmth and power across all registers. A beautiful violin for the serious player.

Venice 1903: This beautiful example of Guilio Degani’s output has all the hallmarks of his best violin making work, with the bell-like glow typical of his instruments complemented by brilliance and projection, making it a wonderful performance violin for a professional player.
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We have two new cellos in our showroom, a Unlabelled European and a Malcolm Collins! Read a little more about each below:

1. Unlabelled European Cello (late 19th century)
A late-19th-century European cello, likely from northeastern Germany in the Mirecourt style, modelled after Stradivari. Its full-length back and string length give depth and resonance, while slightly narrower bouts make it notably comfortable to play. Clear, ringing upper registers and an open, responsive tone make this an excellent choice for the advancing player.

2. Malcolm Collins No. 35, 2023
Made in 2023 by renowned New Zealand maker Malcolm Collins, this Montagnana-model cello offers a rich, open and vibrant sound across all four strings. Crafted in his 80s, it combines warmth with strong projection, making it equally suited to solo and ensemble performance.

Please feel free to come into our showroom to try them out 🎶🎻
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Sending all our love. All the best for the treatment!

Help NZ pianist afford cancer treatment Please help us raise funds for renowned pianist Katherine Austin to get life-saving immunotherapy cancer treatment.