Gaetano Gadda

Born on April 13, 1900 in Sorga, Verona.

In 1919 he began working in the workshop of Stefano Scarampella (1843-1925), and they worked side by side on instruments for several years until Scarampella's death.

During the last few years of his life, when Scarampella's health was failing, Gaetano mainly took over the task of making Scarampella's instruments.

In 1924, Gaetano signed a contract with Scarampella to acquire all of its tools and formwork.

In 1925, Scarampella died. Gaetano was Scarampella's only pupil and successor.

Gaetano's early instrumentation was strongly influenced by his teacher, Scarampella.

After the war, from the mid-40s onwards, Gaetano used Guarneri-inspired models that deviated slightly from the Scarampella models.

Furthermore, most of the cellos he made were modeled after Tommaso Balestrieri (w.1725-1749), whom he owned.

Although Gaetano is sometimes treated as an imitation of Scarampella, he had his own distinct style and created very beautiful and distinctive instruments.

Gaetano often uses maple, called "oppio".

Some instruments have the initials "gg" branded on the buttons on the back or under the endpin.

His son and pupil, Mario Gadda (1931-2008), was also active as a violin maker.

He died in Mantua in 1956 (age 56).

Quote《Liuteria Italiana II》