Dom Niccolo Amati

January 2, 2006 at 10:46 PM · there are several good books on the amati family; try a college or university library.

and if you want to own one, try amazon.com.

January 3, 2006 at 01:26 AM · Actually, this particular maker isn't a member of "the" Amati family.... :-) He can be found in texts including makers of Bologna, however.

January 3, 2006 at 01:15 AM · I recall reading that he took the name Amati as a kind of promotional gimmick, presumably to trade on their famous name. His real name starts with an 'M' (sorry, I forget it); I'm sure there are people on this site who can supply more information as well as the books recommended.

Anecdotal info: I've tried 3 of his instruments (made 1720-1740) at violin dealers. All were nice sounding with a bright tone, with many of the qualities of fine old Italian instruments, but I don't think that you'd mistake them for a "real" Amati. One dealer told me that Menuhin once owned an instrument by this maker and liked it.

January 3, 2006 at 05:00 AM · "His real name starts with an 'M'."

I was ducking that, but you are correct... although for some reason I can't recall what follows the M tonight either... must be the new years party catching up with me. :-)

January 3, 2006 at 05:07 AM · His violins sound expensive.

January 3, 2006 at 05:17 AM ·

Memory just kicked in, Eric. I believe it's Nicolo Marchioni.

Pieter; Kind of "moderate" price for 18th century Italian violins...

January 3, 2006 at 05:22 AM · Ah, that gave me a lead, Jeffrey. From the current listings of Fred Oster, a major violin dealer in Philadelphia (http://www.fredoster.com/), here's an instrument in the "Above $55,000" category:

"10. DOM NICOLO AMATI, Bologna, c.1720, a good and typical example of this fine Bologna maker's work. It has recently been discovered that this maker's name is actually Nicolo Marchioni, a pupil of Guidantus, who conveniently acquired the Amati name & added it to his own., 354mm, (Our #24576)"

You will also find quite a few of his instruments listed at cozio.com, where you can get an idea of what they are going for (since the issue of price was raised).

Finally, rummaging around with Google produced the following listing for a new book (which unfortunately sounds expensive and hard to get):

"Florenus Edizioni

is pleased to announce the new publication:

Lutherie in Bologna: Roots & Success

History of the Classic Makers of Stringed Instruments in the Modern Age

to which a Complete Listing of the [284] Active Makers in town is added (1496 - 1998)

by Sandro Pasqual & Roberto Regazzi

With a foreword by Eugenio Riccomini

Hardbound edition limited to 500 numbered copies, 224 pages

Italian & English text

by Elisabeth Jenkins Ravani

ISBN 88-85250-05-X"

Included in a listing of its contents is this:

"A mysterious Bolognese: Don Nicola Amati /

Don Nicola Marchioni (1662 - 1752)"

February 9, 2006 at 12:39 AM · Hi, all of you interested in Dom Nicolo Amati.

I have an instrument by that maker. Originally, according to some things I read in a book by a fellow who wrote "Thousand Mornings," or something like that, that this Amati was the great-great grandson of Andrea. I discovered recently that the maker´s name is actually Nicolo Marchioni. I have been in touch with Fred Oster, referred to in some previous correspondence above, in order to have my own 1732 Dom Nicolo Amati (Marchioni) appraised and authenticated sometime this spring, after which I plan to sell it. I have also corresponded with Roenning,in Boston. (Or Ruenning?)

By the way, an Italian Concert Violinist/Violist by the name of Marcello Defant owns one. He has an interesting web site, from which you can download some examples of his work he peerforms on the Marchioni. Just Google Marcello Defant, then listen to some nice excerpts with which most of you fellows/gals are familiar. Marcello Defant and I have been corresponding on the subject and comparing notes on various aspects of the fiddle, especially the deep, warm, and strong sound on the D and G strings.

Dominic J. Cinaglia Blue Bell, Pa. 215-646-3126

March 2, 2007 at 04:49 PM · Hi All,

I'm a total noob to violins. A noob student too. Anyways, found this old looking violin a couple of years ago in an antique shop in Germany (while attending Oktoberfest).

The label reads:

D Nicolaus Amati

fecit Bononiae Apud

SS C(unreadable) Dominiae 1731

any thoughts as to if it is something I should look into further? The violin is beat up and has had many repairs in the past, but the tone is still very beautiful. At least to my noobish ears:)

Thanks for your help!

Ian

March 2, 2007 at 05:45 PM · other important publications on the Amati Family are:

A Genealogy of the Amati Family of Violin Makers, 1500-1740 Carlo Bonetti, Daniel Draley Binding Unknown, 1989 ISBN 0944266045

In the past, there was a very well written booklet by Doring on "The Amati Family" published by William Lewis and Sons.

March 2, 2007 at 06:01 PM · Thanks for the reply:)

I'm under the impression though that the D is for Dom and with the date of 1731 and place Bononiae (Bologna) that it might be a copy or related to D Nicolo Marchioni? And that he's not of the Amati family? Thought the Nicolaus instead of Nicolo is kinda odd though. But I'm going to look for those reference books and check them out.

Thank you!

Ian

March 2, 2007 at 06:26 PM · I am not an expert on makers. However, a student of mine was loaned a Dom Nicolo Amati by a very reputable firm. In talking with them, I learned (if memory serves) that he was a priest/violin maker who is not related to the famous family of violin makers, but who benefitted from the last name. Still, a beautiful instrument.

June 2, 2007 at 04:24 PM · Bought a violin on ebay: label reads; D.H Nicolaus Amati/ fecit bononia 1737. several atrocious repairs but no serious damage. Is it for real? Would someone copy a fake?(Marchioni) It has a rich tone. Have looked at his information on cozio.com; He sometimes has other maker's labels in his violins(Gaglioni, Guadagnini), and sometimes his own.

June 2, 2007 at 05:10 PM · it is impossible to appraise an instrument without having it in front of you.

Since you are near Chicago, IL, just go see a qualified appraiser.

June 19, 2007 at 12:57 AM · Unfortunately I have seen a lot of instruments with Dom Amatis label inserted in a cheap instruments. As a rough guideline one can say originals must have Del Gesu-ish f-holes a flat arch and amateurish made scroll and everything varnished with a yellow brownish varnish of good quality.

For a priest making instruments he was pretty good and it seems that he affected other priests in Bologna with this hobby. (or did he make instruments to create some income at the side? We don't know.)

At least I am glad that there are some people around who know that he WAS NOT a member of the Amati family in Cremona and his real name was Marchioni. Most reliable source seems to be Regazzis book.

Andreas Preuss

(editor of the New Encyclopedia of Violin and Bow Makers)

June 20, 2007 at 06:39 AM · Ian, no way to know if it's an actual instrument by him or just a copy, at least just through the net, but, as a musician, it really shouldn't matter if it has a good sound that you like :) (Unless it's several thousand dollars of course. Then.. you should go try and find an expert to check it out ;p)