What are the names of some famous violin makers?

5 of the Best Violin Makers Working Today. Discover Why Their Instruments Are Highly Sought-After!

In this article, we wanted to feature 5 world-class luthiers. Some of them are still at the dawn of their careers and others are some of the better known violin makers in the world. We thought it would be important to list makers in both of these categories and solely focus on their quality.

The more we try instruments by these makers, the more we are impressed with their output!

  • Joseph Curtin
  • Alessandro di Matteo
  • Edgar Russ
  • Antoni Ruschil
  • Daniele Tonarelli

Joseph Curtin

What are the names of some famous violin makers?

Joseph Curtin is one of the biggest names in the violin making world. His name is known to all who know anything about string instruments.

He is an absolutely stunning craftsman and makes some of the best instruments we have ever seen and heard. His instruments compare incredibly favourably to the most prestigious antique violins and have often been preferred in acoustic tests.

Joseph Curtin is constantly innovating, pioneering the largest study ever conducted comparing old and new instruments. He is also now making a new model, called the Ultralight, which allows the musician much more flexibility than a traditional instrument.

Here's an example of Joseph's work

What are the names of some famous violin makers?

2021 Violin by Joseph Curtin - Available at MyLuthier
Register to see prices

Alessandro di Matteo

What are the names of some famous violin makers?

Alessandro di Matteo is a wonderful violin maker based in Cremona, Italy. From his workshop there, he produces wonderful instruments in true Cremonese fashion.

His use of techniques based on generations of learning allow him to craft very precise and beautiful instruments and the varnish is exquisite.

His violins tend to sound powerful and project extremely well with a nasal quality reminiscent of the old masters.

Here's an outstanding example of Alessandro's work

What are the names of some famous violin makers?

2010 Violin by Alessandro di Matteo - Available at MyLuthier
Register to see prices

Edgar Russ

What are the names of some famous violin makers?

A household name in Cremona, Edgar Russ is one of the most distinguished makers in Italy. With a very solid track record and excellent instrument appreciation, Edgar has managed to cement himself as one of the premier violin makers to know about.

His instruments are bold and have lots of character. From their aesthetic qualities to their sound profiles, they never disappoint. Edgar makes many different models, from Guarneris to Strads and although each instrument has its own personality, they are all powerful and projecting.

Here's an example of Edgar's work

What are the names of some famous violin makers?

2015 Violin by Edgar Russ - Sold
Register to see prices

Antoni Ruschil

What are the names of some famous violin makers?

Antoni Ruschil is one of the most promising young violin makers in the UK today. After a stint in Florence working for the Vettori family, he set up his shop in London where he makes wonderful violins and cellos.

Antoni prefers to make instruments using his own models rather than making copies of existing models. His violins therefore have a unique twist and are instantly recognizable.

He is constantly experimenting and innovating, from the sound to his choice of materials which makes for very interesting instruments. Usually warm and rich in character, his instruments have quality that few others possess.

Here's an example of Antoni's work

What are the names of some famous violin makers?

2021 Violin by Antoni Ruschil 'The Horsley' - Available at MyLuthier
Register to see prices

Daniele Tonarelli

Daniele Tonarelli is one of the most established makers in Cremona, Italy. Working with his young and talented assistant Davide Pizzolato, he makes violins of the highest quality, in terms of sound and craftsmanship.

He makes models ranging from Stradivari to Guarneri and Guadagnini.

He treats every violin with attention and care resulting in all of his instruments being of exceptional quality.

A particularity of his sound is that it will easily project while maintaining an elegance and beauty reminiscent of the old masters.

They are highly regarded all over the world and are favoured by some of today’s young soloists.

Here's an example of Daniele's work

What are the names of some famous violin makers?

2021 Violin by Daniele Tonarelli - Sold
Register to see prices

Final thoughts

Many musicians are opting for modern instruments nowadays not only for their cost but also for the opportunity to own a great instrument.

For this reason, instruments by these makers are gaining recognition worldwide but particularly in the UK.

Played on by young soloists, chamber musicians and orchestral players, it’s this versatility that is making them universally liked among musicians.

Makers' websites:

  • Joseph Curtin
  • Alessandro di Matteo
  • Edgar Russ
  • Antoni Ruschil
  • Daniele Tonarelli

About MyLuthier

MyLuthier was started by two friends while they were studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

The idea was to provide musicians with the best instruments at a price they can afford.

We travelled Europe in search for exceptional violin makers and we’re proud of our selection and the partnerships we’ve developed.
This means that all of our instruments are rigorously tested and we approach them from a musician’s perspective.

Without a doubt, contemporary instruments are one of the best options for today’s musicians.

Ariel Lang is a Violinist and one of the Co-Founders of MyLuthier.co. He studied with Jack Liebeck at the Royal Academy of Music. As a freelance musician, he focuses on performing with small chamber ensembles such as the United Strings of Europe and O/Modernt.

Subscribe for monthly news & updates!

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

5 of the Finest Violin Makers Working Today. Find Out Who They Are What Sets Their Violins Apart!

We’ve compiled a list of 5 young luthiers to watch out for. These include some established violin makers as well as some who are still making a name for themselves.

What they all have in common is their incredible workmanship and dedication to their craft.

The quality of the instruments is exceptional and as the instruments age, they are only getting better.

  • Daniele Tonarelli
  • Benedicte Friedmann
  • Gonzalo Bayolo
  • Ulf Kloo
  • Marco Cargnelutti

Daniele Tonarelli

Daniele Tonarelli is one of the most established makers in Cremona, Italy. Working with his young and talented assistant Davide Pizzolato, he makes violins of the highest quality, in terms of sound and craftsmanship.

He makes models ranging from Stradivari to Guarneri and Guadagnini.

He treats every violin with attention and care resulting in all of his instruments being of exceptional quality.

A particularity of his sound is that it will easily project while maintaining an elegance and beauty reminiscent of the old masters.

They are highly regarded all over the world and are favoured by some of today’s young soloists.

Here's our latest violin by Daniele Tonarelli:

What are the names of some famous violin makers?

This stunning Stradivari model violin is extremely balanced in all registers, has tremendous power and the richness of its tone does not disappoint.

What are the names of some famous violin makers?

More Information

Benedicte Friedmann

What are the names of some famous violin makers?

Master violin maker Benedicte Friedmann is a very talented young violin maker in Cremona. She is highly sought-after and is very rapidly gaining recognition in the violin making world.

She is known for Guadagnini models and for good reason. Her examples are some of the most beautiful violins we’ve ever seen.

Her sense of artistry and aesthetic comes across with every violin she makes.

Here's an example of Benedicte's work

What are the names of some famous violin makers?

2019 Violin By Benedicte Friedmann - Guadagnini Model

Register to See Prices

Gonzalo Bayolo

What are the names of some famous violin makers?

One of the most talented craftsmen in the world, Gonzalo Bayolo is producing some of the best instruments we’ve ever seen.

His violins are extremely versatile and have been used in every possible setting from concerto playing to chamber music and orchestral.

Although they are very powerful and have a robust sound, they all have their own unique character.

Without a doubt, Gonzalo is a violin maker to watch and we believe he has a very promising career ahead of him.

Here's an example of Gonzalo's work

What are the names of some famous violin makers?

A 2017 Guarneri Model Violin by Gonzalo Bayolo
Register to See Prices

Ulf Kloo

What are the names of some famous violin makers?

Violin maker Ulf Kloo was born in Sweden but currently works in the south of France.

When making, he combines elegance and creativity to make stunning instruments of very high calibre. His instruments sound fantastic, have incredible depth and outstanding projection.

His instruments have been exhibited at the Triennale in Cremona 1997 and 2009, at the Royal Academy of Music in London 2004, the Concours Etienne Vatelot in Paris 2011 and Violas 2012 at the Conservatory of Paris.

Here's an example of Ulf's work

What are the names of some famous violin makers?

2017 Violin by Ulf Kloo Op. 66
Register to See Prices

Marco Cargnelutti

What are the names of some famous violin makers?

Marco Cargnelutti is a very promising young violin maker in Italy today. Inspiring himself from Cremonese masters both old and new, he crafts some of the most outstanding instruments we’ve seen.

He is based outside Cremona, in the town of Gemona del Friuli near Venice. From there he builds wonderful sounding violins, violas and cellos. Their sound is warm and powerful and the craftsmanship is reminiscent of the great Davide Sora both in color and technique.

He will no doubt have a stellar path building instruments and we expect to hear more of him in the coming years.

Here's an example of Marco's work

What are the names of some famous violin makers?

2020 Violin by Marco Cargnelutti
Register to See Prices

Final thoughts

Many musicians are opting for modern instruments nowadays not only for their cost but also for the opportunity to own a great instrument.

For this reason, instruments by these makers are gaining recognition worldwide but particularly in the UK.

Played on by young soloists, chamber musicians and orchestral players, it’s this versatility that is making them universally liked among musicians.

Makers' websites:

  • Daniele Tonarelli
  • Benedicte Friedmann
  • Gonzalo Bayolo
  • Ulf Kloo
  • Marco Cargnelutti

About MyLuthier

MyLuthier was started by two friends while they were studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

The idea was to provide musicians with the best instruments at a price they can afford.

We travelled Europe in search for exceptional violin makers and we’re proud of our selection and the partnerships we’ve developed.
This means that all of our instruments are rigorously tested and we approach them from a musician’s perspective.

Without a doubt, contemporary instruments are one of the best options for today’s musicians.