Unknown Violin - Cefare Gigli??

[violinbuff]

2005.03.24

Hello Everyone!

I purchased this violin through eBaY back in Feb. 2003. The violin has a very fainted and old label with the only word "Gigli" as clearly visible. The violin had numerous cracks to the top and back but was repaired. I've done my research and have been unsuccessful. The F-holes are interesting as is the purfling, which is etched very close to the edges. I've looked through all the Jalovec manuals and cannot find a violin with similar modeling. Tone is rather deep on the lower registers but I find it difficult to play... Any thoughts?

[priya]

Hi Buff,

Just a guess but maybe a Southern German/Fussen/Tryolian 18th century violin. Looks very nice, I like the f-holes, some Italian influnce perhaps. IMHO.

[jimg]

Henley says:

Quote:

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Gigli, Giulio Cesare

Worked in Rome, 1730-1762. Amatese modelling with middel bouts too narrow; having few indications of conscientious work. Outline and arching not particularly accurate. Scroll rather effectvely shaped. ... Golden-yellow, dark red, or reddish yellow varnish, not of soft quality; often prettily figured wood. Cannot expredss content with tone which is altogther small and has no recompensing warmth...

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As usual, Henley is quite opinionated

Jim

[bean_fidhleir]

Quote:

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Tone is rather deep on the lower registers but I find it difficult to play... Any thoughts?

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What is it that's difficult about playing it?

It looks a very nice Stainer-ish fiddle.

[violinbuff]

To bean_fidhleir:

1. It's difficult to play shifting from one position to another. The fingerboard has already been re-dressed and bridge is cut a bit higher & thinner than usual for more powerful tone (Superieur Despiau bridge). I find that on my other violin, a Chinese made Strad model is a breeze to play. I believe it's probably the dimensions of the Gigli. Regardless, its tone is deep and rich.

2. Thanks for your input... but I'm not sure if has a "Stainer-ish" look to it. Arching on the Gigli is very low and the F-holes are too thin and elongated... but you never know... Christophe