German “Maggini” copy violin, labelled “Gaspar da Salo”

The German violin workshops of the Vogtland area produced many thousands of violins modelled after the great Cremonese makers. The most popular were copies of Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesu, but Paolo Maggini copies were also plentiful. This striking example, labelled after Maggini’s apprentice master, Gasparo da Salo, has beautifully carved reliefs of flowers and leaves on its pegbox. The tone is clear and silvery, with depth on the lower strings. It speaks freely and with resonance, with an engaging colour and character in the middle register.