I have received the violin today, and it is exactly as you described it! Beautiful sounding violin and the craftsmanship is superb! This is definitely the best sounding violin that I have ever played, and I know that I will enjoy perfecting my skills on this masterpiece.
I am very taken with the sound and appearance of your fine instruments. I have been playing and collecting since 1958, (Joseph Gagliano, 1768) and have owned some of the finest bows by F. N. Voirin, Lamy Pere, and Dominique Peccatte,and played several fine Guarneri, Stradivari, Guadagnini, and Amati violins, and interesting work by Francesco Stradivari, (the Salabue), a fiddle with a neck like a baseball bat, that didn't sound, and the 1731 ex-Sorkin, del Jesu, while Leonard Sorkin still owned it, and it was heaven on earth, for instance, and $200,000. 00 at the time - about 1985, with the geared E peg he had invented, that I now see offered by Knilling as a material improvement over the e tuner.
There has always been a problem finding really fine instruments for those without huge amounts of spendable cash. That problem has grown significantly over time, and with the publicity and with collectors like Mr. David Fulton, in Washington, for instance, the best are just not sitting around for sale anymore, but are lining the vaults of collectors, more and more - like the ex-Panette, and the ex- Ysaye del Jesu violins I saw when Isaac Stern owned them. The cantileno was missing somehow from the Ysaye, so Mr. Stern bought the ex=Panette, he told me, because he needed something that would project, and the ex-Ysaye had lost its voice. (perhaps due to the popular use of Elmer'sglue at the time, by people like Sergio Peresson)
I worked for Frank Passa, years ago, and for Herb David, in repairs, and studied with John Sherba, of Kronos Quartet, for three years on scholarship.
Everything in your writings rings true about wood and tone. Your instruments, even on computer recordings are vastly superior in obvious ways, and seem very like the finest instruments I have played - to the point that I have to comment on the instantly obvious quality of sound and production of tone.
I didn't feel that modern instruments as a whole, were much until they were played in, and after trying some of the more famous names, I could tell the limitations, just as many Vuillaume violins, though great looking imitations, don't give even response on every note compared to the best of the Strad and Guarneri violins they were made to resemble.
I saw that early, with Gordon Staples, and comparing his new (at the time) del Jesu, with his Vuillaume copy, which he had played until he bought the del Jesu for $25,000.00, in the 1950's.
So thank you for providing something with the quality of wood to produce tone when combined with your efficient workmanship.
Please keep making, if you can, and teach people the importance of having the best materials to work with, so they don't waste a lot of effort building pretty looking junk (in my opinion).
I play a friend's 1741 del Jesu in public, and practice on a fine French instrument by Hawkes, in Strad pattern, as set up by Louis Prince. The setup seems illogical, small low bridge, but it is extremely powerful and easy to play, while the del Jesu recently had its bridge lowered to suit the owner's need for retaining hearing in the left ear when playing it. (was too loud) Though 355 mm, and very light, it really projects, and takes no effort to play, and knows how to deliver what one wants.
The point is that I hear the same thing from the recordings of your fiddle, which is quite refreshing and was unexpected, but gratifying.
Now when people want whatever I am playing, I will tell them about your instruments, with a clear conscience.
Please make as many as possible of the finest. They are needed. Ireally appreciate the wood selection and obvious detail oriented workmanship in building. You have discovered the real secrets as few have done.
The violin arrived today, and it is a beautiful instrument. Incredible in every way. I am so happy to have found you. Again, thank you so much for this wonderful violin. I will treasure every minute with it.
As an aside, since I retired I dabble in acting. I do mostly commercials, but sometimes I get a call for a film or tv. There is an occasional gig for a violinist. So your violin may be in a national commercial or film. If that happens, I will be sure to let you know.
Thanks very much. I've been watching your violins on the internet for many months, but never thought I would be able to afford one. I got cancer a few years back and while I was undergoing the first operations and rounds of chemo and radio-therapy the company I worked for closed down and I became unemployed. So my offer of ******** dollars was just a wild try with every penny I have managed to save. I really only expected an insult in return, and as you can imagine your generosity is very much appreciated. I will certainly be showing it to all my violin playing friends and if you get even one order out of it I hope it will repay you. I am also making violins myself now, so hopefully yours will prove an inspiration after buying so many cheap ones. If I ever make one worth selling, I will send it to you and you can donate it to a student of your choice, or sell it as you wish. All the very best, I will take great care of your violin so that it will continue into future centuries and be played and enjoyed by many musicians.
This violin is the most beautiful one amongst my violin collection. I put it on my computer as a screen saver, and regard it as a work of art. My blessings and all the best at the VSA Competition in 2008.
It has been over a month since our receipt of your violin, and although I did not write immediately, I wanted to let you know that we are very happy with the violin. My son played 2 notes on it and loved it right away, and we have been looking for about 2 years for a full-size to be pleasing to him. He seemed very particular, but maybe we just weren't looking in the right spot! As it was, we have had about 30 violins on trial, but none were acceptable to him or his teacher. Of course that means looking at more and more expensive instruments, but we were willing to continue the search. We were planning on visiting you on our trip to NJ in June, and though it would be nice to meet you in person, we have both a wonderful violin and extra time to visit with family. Even this morning as my son was walking out the door for his "final exam" in orchestra, he made sure to take yours with him to get the best grade. He will be using it on Saturday for his first Young Artist's Competition. I will follow your progress at the violin competition, best of luck to you and thank you for a wonderful instrument.
Dear Mr. Gammuto, I love the violin!!! The tonal qualities are sweet and lyrical with strong projection, much like the violins of past centuries. How you manage to achieve that aged, mature tone is remarkable to me. Thank you so much, Cynthia Ross-Carlson
Mr. Gammuto, This violin is everything I was hoping for, and more. You are very gifted. Now I know what a sophisticated, velvety tone is. This will indeed take my playing to the next level. I'm torn between what I like most, it's beauty, exquisite tone, or easy of play. The fingerboard felt familiar almost instantly, which I've never known before. There is zero harmonic distortion, and the overtones are gorgeous. You're right about Carpathian Spruce. I don't think I'll ever want anything else. Thank you for a world class instrument! All the best,Steve Cassel
Hello Again Mr. Gammuto, As a professional musician, I appreciate the effort it took to craft this marvelous instrument. Tonally it has a lower range that is deep and rich, and a sparkling quality to its upper range that will serve me for a lifetime. Thank you so much. It has been a pleasure working with you on this project. Keep building these beauties for many years to come. Much success to you. -James L. McMasters
Greetings Mr. Gammuto, I am a professional violinist and teacher from Buffalo NY. I just wanted to compliment your workmanship. You truly make an outstanding violin. I will certainly spread the word around. Your violin is fantastic. Bravo Maestro!!!!!!!!! Sincerely, G.H.Docenko
Mr. Gammuto, I am writing to let you know the magnificent violin arrived last evening. It is beautiful beyond words! I wanted to make certain that you know that the violin arrived safe, and in perfect condition. I am playing better than I ever dreamed possible. My phrasing is much more sophisticated, and double stops are not a problem any more. I am deeply grateful to you, Vanessa
Hello Maestro!!! I just wanted to tell you that I just purchased one of your violins at a festival this weekend. I'm not sure which model I have (I should know the difference but I have been playing Maggini models). I have been playing for over 35 years. I was really impressed with the sound of this instrument and had several of my friends check it out before I purchased it. One of them is a judge at the National Fiddle Competition at Wieser, ID. The other 4 are all professional musicians. All of them were impressed by the commanding sound of the instrument. I just wanted to tell you that you did a fine job, and how pleased I am to have it. Respectfully, Marianne Meyer
Dear Sir, UPS delivered the violin late today. It is absolutely WONDERFUL ! The sound is beautiful. It almost starts playing without me. It is so responsive, and easy to play. The tone is rich and responsive. It is also beautiful to look at. I am very happy with it. I look forward to experiencing every little nuance about it. Thank you for sending the mated bow. What a difference a good bow makes! I will cherish this instrument forever! - Pam
John, I just received your violin today, and have only put it down to eat! It has excellent tonal qualities, and is quite beautiful. I called a few major dealers in the U.S. to see what they might suggest in terms of marketing your instruments. Two of them are familiar with your work, and suggested that it would be good for you to enter your best violin in the annual Violin Society of America competition to establish more of a reputation among dealers. I think you would have an excellent chance of winning one of the distinguished classes. Let me know if you are open to this suggestion. I will assist you in any way I can. I am a believer! I'll look forward to hearing from you. Best Wishes, Carol
Gammuto Violins, Just wanted to let you know how much I like my new violin. For a brand new instrument, this is fantastic. It is playing-in and sounding more refined by the hour. It sounds better than my previous instrument after only a couple of hours of play time. The overtones are very pleasant indeed. I am extremely pleased with the violin, and will be even more so as it continues to open up. Great job! Thank You, -Brad
Mr. Gammuto, I am auditioning for the second time with the Cleveland Symphony. This time I am going armed with your fine instrument. Wish me luck!!!! Roberto Cavalli
Hello Mr.Gammuto, I received the violin yesterday, and am very pleased with it. It is very beautiful and has an impressive tone. Thank you for accepting my offer, I will take good care of it. I am thinking of upgrading my bow to compliment the instrument. Can you help me with this? Sincerely, Eric Bindman
Mr. Gammuto, I can't believe the violin arrived so quickly. It is a really fine instrument, more so than I expected. I've only played it for a few days now, but I am most impressed with the overall tone quality, and beauty of the wood. I will try and help you sell a few, if I can. The violin is worth 2-3 times what I paid for it. I know, because I visited many N. Y. violin shops before contacting you. Thank you again, Ji Bingyi
Dear Mr. Gammuto, I can not tell you how happy I am with the Guarneri Master Soloist violin I just purchased from you. It is the most comfortable instrument I have ever held, thanks to your neck and fingerboard modifications. It makes a big difference in my comfort and control level. Once again, I am most pleased with the violin. The tone quality is exceptional and pleasing to my ear. Respectully Yours, Marci Geller
Dear Giovanni, What an instrument!!!! Your Master Soloist Violin is certainly named appropriately. I am almost speechless when it comes to describing the quality of this instrument. I spent three weeks visiting instrument shops in, and around L. A. I believe I played over 100 very expensive violins from all over the world. Yours was the one that held my attention, and captured my heart. Bravo Maestro!!! - Lea Kaufman
