DHV:
1424
Tourin ID:
Size:
Violone
Place Made:
Maker:
I
Date:
1565 C
Label Text:
Pietro di Dardeli Mantovano
Body Shape:
Guitar
Current Location:
I
Genova
No. of Strings:
6
Collection:
Private Collection
Sound Holes:
3
Catalog Number:
Head:
Scroll
Private Owner:
Yes
Previous Owner:
[Anonymous: in same noble family as long as they can remember]
Measurements:
Body Length:
084.8
String Length:
086.0
Rib Depth:
18.1
Upper Width:
36.5
Middle Width:
28.7
Bottom Width:
44.2
Information
Source:
Owner to TGM, 6+9+11/05
Literature:
Soar 2019, pp. 17-18; Soar 2016; Lowenberger 2007; Lowenberger 2006; Lowenberger 2005
Photographs:
Soar 2016, p. 9 (front); Lowenberger 2007 (FB+S and many details before restoration; also work in progress); Lowenberger 2006 (front full length, side body only, treble soundhole); Lowenberger 2005 (front and side full length, F+B body only, underside of table, label [all color]); [also unpublished additional photos from Lowenberger]
Recordings:
Auctions:
Comments:
Only body is original, with 3-piece table and arched back in 3 pieces (1 above fold, 2 below) cut on the slab, both with single BWB purfling. Bottom block original, with 2 centering nails on back and 1 on front, also 2 on upper part of back; old linings of beech may or may not be original. Had been converted into a cello and had extensive worm damage (including some previous repairs); restored by Löwenberger (2005) with new neck, head, and all fittings. String length based on bridge placement at bottom of soundholes; could be tuned in GG, but better in D. Iconography suggests a date in third quarter of 16th century; dendrochorology gives date of 1552 for youngest growth ring on table. Label probably not genuine. Soar 2016: when found by Löwenberger, “had lain undisturbed ... for an extended period of time. The neck was a 17th century replacement, but the body of the viol appeared to be complete and original.” Original now tuned in D at A390; Soar’s copy tuned in A at A460, with slightly longer neck giving SL of 90 cm; also has different reconstruction of pegbox and scroll; different bridge design gives “fuller and more focussed sound” than the original. Lowenberger identified back and ribs as maple, but Soar thinks they’re fruitwood and used cherry for his copy, with walnut fittings (but plum pegs).