Otello Bignami

Born in Bologna in 1914.

After studying violin performance at the Conservatory, he became fascinated with violin making and began making instruments shortly after the war.

He was initially self-taught, but from 1952 to 1953 he studied under Gaetano Pollastri (1886-1960).

He then won awards in competitions around the country and gained fame.

Between 1979 and 1983 he founded a violin-making school in Bologna, where he taught many students.

Bignami's instruments are made on a model reminiscent of the Polastri brothers.

He also produced instruments inspired by the Bolognese school of makers, and used different labels depending on the period, sometimes bearing the names of those who influenced him.

Since 1978, the monogram has featured the intertwined initials [OB]. These are attached to the back near the endpin, below the button.

The varnish is usually a pale yellow-orange, sometimes a reddish orange.

He died in 1989 (at the age of 75).

Quote《Liuteria Italiana I》