Instrument Type: Violin
Circa: 1967
Asking Price: SOLD
Maker: Alfio Batelli
The Violin
Alfio Batelli made this violin in 1967, and it remains in excellent condition. He trained in Florence, then spent years in some of the most respected shops in the United States. This instrument reflects both halves of that career.
The tone is powerful, rich and well rounded. This Alfio Batelli violin answers evenly across all four strings, so it stays a pleasure to play. The back measures 35.7 cm.
Decades of hands-on work came before it. Because he had repaired many of the world’s finest instruments, this Alfio Batelli violin reflects a maker who knew exactly what he wanted from his own work.
Players often find that makers who restore for a living set up their instruments especially well. This Alfio Batelli violin fits that pattern. The sound feels complete from the first note, and it stays easy to control. In short, its voice matches its craftsmanship.
The Maker
Alfio Batelli came from Chianciano, Italy, where he was born in 1903. He studied violin making in Florence under Valentino de Zorzi. Later he opened his own shop there.
In 1947 he moved to Chicago and joined Kagan and Gaines. Then, in 1950, he moved again to Los Angeles, where he worked for Hans Weisshaar for thirteen years. That shop ranked among the finest restoration benches in the country. He still made most of his instruments in Florence.
So an Alfio Batelli violin reflects two traditions at once: his Italian training, and his long experience at the top of the American trade. Today his work holds a special place in the history of violin making in Los Angeles.
Terms of Sale
This violin has sold, so it is no longer available for purchase. Benning Violins invites you to browse our current catalog of fine instruments. You can also contact us directly to ask about similar pieces.