Great condition old Italian violin from 1940 by Arnaldo Morano. He was born in 1906, died in 1996). Superior craftmanship.

Arnaldo Morano is one of a few top violin makers (Morano, Capicchioni, Ornati and Garimberti) of the fine 1940-1970 period of Italian makers. Due to his devotion to work in restoration of old Italian instruments, his own instruments are rare, but very cherished.

Arnaldo Morano started working in his father’s woodworking shop at 13 years old, and after developing a passion for the violin, he built his first instrument as a self-taught craftsman around the age of 15, driven by the need to have his own instrument. In 1929, a visit to the luthier Piero Gallinotti provided him with his first technical guidance, but it was through direct observation of classical instruments that he refined his craft. In 1931, he built his first quartet on commission from the Royal Conservatory of Turin and, during those years, he experimented with various varnishes, eventually developing a formula based on linseed oil and natural resins. After working in Turin for many years, he moved his workshop to Rosignano Monferrato, where he continued to craft instruments until the 2000s. Morano distinguished himself through the exceptional quality of his creations, inspired by the models of Stradivari, Guarneri del Gesù, and Guadagnini. His production was limited, as he devoted much of his time to the restoration of high-level instruments. He worked on historic violins such as the Stradivari Kreutzer owned by Uto Ughi, the Bush played by Pina Carmirelli, and the Rivaz (1707). Despite his reserved nature, Morano received numerous awards in Italian, French, and American competitions, including a gold medal for a violin and a fourth prize for a viola at the 1949 Cremona International Violin Making Competition. His mastery and contributions to violin making continue to make him a key figure in the world of string instruments.

This violin is made of superior quality wood, very attractive varnish that emphasizes the attractive wood patterns and flames.

Top plate made of fine grained spruce, back plate made of one-piece amazing beautifully flamed maple, that enhances its Italian beauty. Pegs, tailpiece, chinrest, fingerboard made of ebony. Tailgut made of kevlar. Beautiful red varnish. This violin has oil varnish and it developed beautiful crackle pattern over the years. Excellent craftmanship, beautifully carved f-holes. Carefully carved scroll and pegbox. Beautifully carved edges.

Inside there is a label that says:

“Arnaldo Morano fece. Torino – Anno 1940”

This violin has been reviewed/checked by a  chairman of Polish Violin Makers Association Mr. Pielaszek. He is father or recent international star of violin making – Piotr Pielaszek, who has won many awards and whose violins reach 30+ thousand EUR. He put his properly adjusted bridge on this violin – signed Marek Pielaszek.

The violin is equipped with new high quality strings: Larsen Virtuoso. A richly nuanced, delicate sound with a warm, clear, and transparent tone. With easy response and playability, the Larsen Virtuoso strings are an ideal replacement for gut strings, requiring minimal bow weight. Designed for warm to neutral instruments, they deliver exceptional volume at low tension, making them perfect for chamber music. These strings are used by e.g. Alina Pogostkina.

 

Size:

Body length – 354mm

Upper body – 167mm

Lower body – 207mm

this violin offers a warm, full-bodied sound with excellent clarity, projection, and depth. The lower register is rich and resonant, while the upper register shines with a brilliant yet refined quality. It responds immediately to the bow, making it both expressive and versatile—perfect for musicians seeking an instrument that can deliver both subtle nuance and commanding power. Whether playing delicate passages or bold, virtuosic phrases, this violin maintains balance, richness, and exceptional tonal complexity.

Excellent noble sound, very rich and sweet, versatile and full of colors. Open sound, bright and with good all strings, which makes the sound equal and very well balanced. It’s easy to play, the sound comes out very clean, without unwanted whistles or scratches. Very easy to play, very comfortable as the neck is not too broad. Selective and clean, cooperating with the violinist. Very satisfying, deep sound that has good projection and presents well on the stage and in concert hall. Sound is excellent in both piano and forte. Our violinist particularly liked this violin and mentioned superior amplitude of sound and rich overtones.