Giovanni Battista Guadagnini

Giovanni Battista Guadagnini (often shortened to G. B. Guadagnini; 23 June 1711 – 18 September 1786) was an Italian luthier, regarded as one of the finest craftsmen of string instruments in history. The Guadagnini family was known for their violins, guitars and mandolins. In 1742, his first violins start to appear. It is unclear from whom or where he learned his trade. Since he joined the woodworking guild, it is likely that he underwent an apprenticeship with a local woodworker; however, there is no evidence of any local instrument makers in Piacenza at the time.

In 1749 Guadagnini moved to Milan, where he continued to make instruments. The reason for his move is unknown, but was perhaps economically motivated as Milan was a much larger city with a larger and more active music scene. During this time a few of his instruments bear labels implying a relationship to Cremona—the home of the renowned violin makers Amati, Stradivari, and Guarneri—however no evidence exists that Guadagnini ever lived in Cremona. During his time in Parma Guadagnini was also closely connected to the court, and in particular to the musical patronage of the Prime Minister Guillaume du Tillot. In his later years in Parma Guadagnini even received a direct salary from the court. In 1771, with the Court's financial fortunes in decline, Guadagnini asked to be allowed to leave.

Giovanni Battista Guadagnini died in Turin on 18 September 1786. He is also possibly the last of historical makers to have used a varnish similar to what was used by classical Cremonese makers.

Performers with Guadagnini instruments

Violinists

Violists Li-Kuo Chang plays the 'ex-Vieuxtemps' G.B. Guadagnini viola, Parma c.1768. Geraldine Walther plays a G.B. Guadagnini viola, Turin 1774.

Cellists Nicolas Altstaedt plays a G.B. Guadagnini cello made in 1749 (body size: 70 centimeters) Natalie Clein plays the "Simpson" Guadagnini cello (1777). Kristina Reiko Cooper plays the "ex-Havemeyer" Guadagnini cello made in 1743. David Geringas plays a G.B. Guadagnini cello made in 1761. Maxine Neuman plays a 1772 Guadagnini. Han-na Chang plays the G.B. Guadagnini cello made in Milan in 1757. Gilberto Munguia plays a G.B. Guadagnini cello (1748). Saša Večtomov played a G.B. Guadagnini cello made in Milan in 1754. Sol Gabetta plays a G.B. Guadagnini cello (1759). Carter Brey, principal cellist of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, plays a Guadagnini made in Milan in 1754. David Finckel plays a G.B. Guadagnini cello (1754)

Groups Australian String Quartet (ASQ) plays four matched instruments: a violoncello (c.1743), and a violin (1748–49), both made in Piacenza, and a viola (1783) and another violin (1784) made in Turin.