Giovanni Gaida

Bollengo, Italy 1900

IU CATALOG NUMBER 74

Born at Bollengo (near Ivrea), 1862. Came to London in 1890 returning to Italy in 1895, and finally settling in London in 1904. Worked for the Stainer Manufacturing Co., also many years for F. W. Chanot. Established his own workshop in Castle Street, Long Acre in 1925. Produced splendid copies of Stradivarian principles, some not unlike the robustness of a Pressenda; also a few of Guarnerian modelling. Workmanship particularly attractive for 'its neatness. Scroll and F-holes very cautiously, but successfully executed. Also possessed a keen sense for choosing the finest woods. Imparted a fine intensity of shade in varnishing, either orange-red or dark amber brown, always plentifully applied. Tonal quality rather remarkable for its velvety softness and evenness.