“Made in…”… um, where??

Edited: December 17, 2025, 10:18 AM · Today the fake “made ins” are becoming truly unacceptable.

By EU law, an instrument case which is effectively made in China and “finished” in Italy can be declared “Made in Italy”. Or “Made in Germany”, “Made in France”, etc.

The reality which interests musicians is a little different. “Finishing” means either two phases of the work on the product were done in the advertised country of origin (i.e. putting in some screws onto an otherwise finished product) or substantially modifying its usability. For example, screwing on a handle. So "finishing" basically amounts to a lie.

Price is what you pay, but value is what you get. And the value of a product becomes apparent the moment you need aftermarket service or parts and find them unavailable.

You desire true Italian artisan craftsmanship? Riboni or Musafia, there are no alternatives. If it's another brand that claims to be made in Italy, insist that they write “100% Made in Italy” on the invoice under the responsibility of the vendor, and that the case is invoiced in Italy and sent from Italy. (Disclaimer: we have no affiliation with the Riboni company). The same goes if you want a German-made case, or a French-made one.

It seems to me that integrity is truly going down the drain. That said, when one lies, they contract a debt with the truth. And sooner or later, that debt will have to be paid.

Replies (7)

Steve Jones

Edited: December 17, 2025, 3:35 AM · Everyone with a violin labelled "Stradivarius fecit in Cremona" should have a case that was "Made in Italy". Fake labelling has been a feature of the violin trade for at least a century and a half. Every day someone else is fooled into thinking that the wreck they found in their attic is a precious relic.

Mark Breiger

December 17, 2025, 5:34 AM · Imagine all of the chinese violins that will be made in cremona by putting on strings and a bridge.

Marco Brancalion

December 17, 2025, 7:40 AM · Dear Dimitri,
it seems to be the exact story as in the fashion world or the names of various "italian sounding" food items ... :)

Andrew Fryer

Edited: December 17, 2025, 8:12 AM · Often a label in the UK will say "assembled in"

"it seems to be the exact story as in...the names of various "italian sounding" food items", many of which have been made in Holland for decades, for those who are unaware.

Dimitri Musafia

Edited: December 17, 2025, 10:16 AM · @Marco and Andrew. You've got the idea. In the fashion world, it's typical to farm out the work and slap the brand onto it. Not even Burberry is made in the UK any more, ad my Twining's breakfast tea according to the box is made in the EU, that after Brexit.

In this context, I believe Hermès is the only fashion brand where you actually get what you pay for, because they own their ateliers in Paris and French people work there (I know this as a fact).

Recently there was a scandal in Italy where big name handbags that sold for over €2,000 were made in Italian sweatshops in Tuscany managed by ...Chinese. The labor costs were on average €54 per piece, plus probably €100 for the materials - you can do the math. It was a major scam.

Tipped off, the Italian financial police (Guardia di Finanza) raided these sweatshops and the results were published the the daily La Repubblica. The news was picked up by the NY Times and the Wall Street Journal, where millions of people read about it. The damage was done, yes, but the practise continues, to the detriment of those who try to do honest work.