In Focus 3
This new collection of articles from The Strad’s long-running In Focus section brings together violins, violas, cellos and double basses by some of the greatest instrument makers in history. Instruments by famous luthiers such as Nicolò Amati and G.B. Guadagnini are featured alongside the work of less well-known names such as Domenico Degani and Joseph Marquès. Each article showcases the full-length front and back of each instrument along with close-ups and angled shots, as well as some comments on its form and construction, and a brief biography of the maker. In Focus 3 belongs on every violin maker’s shelf alongside the two previous collections.
Don't miss out! Purchase the first two In Focus collections along with this brand new third one today, and save £24 when you buy all three. Click here to purchase the In Focus 3-book bundle, saving 20%.
‘Rovelli’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin 1742 poster
The 1742 'Rovelli' can be considered a twin to the 'Alard' Guarneri from the same year. Named for the 19th-century Italian virtuoso Pietro Rovelli, it has most recently been the principal performing instrument of Liya Petrova.
'The "Rovelli" and the "Alard" were built on the same mould, covered with the same golden-brown oil-based varnish, and purfled with the same poplar strips. Their heads are much alike, as are their short corners, their channelled edges and their blackened rib mitres.' – Frédéric Chaudière in the July 2026 edition of The Strad.
July 2026
We examine the 1742 ‘Rovelli’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin and look back at the life of the late quartet leader and pedagogue Günter Pichler. There’s a 95th birthday tribute to bassist François Rabbath and a Mozart Masterclass. Plus Life Lessons with Gary Hoffman and Liya Petrova’s Sentimental Work.
Read more in The Strad
Nicolò Amati cello 1642 poster
One of only seven surviving cellos by Nicolò Amati, this is one of the few Baroque cellos that has never been altered or cut down. Now played by British cellist Jamie Walton, it is a stunning instrument in an excellent state of preservation.
'This extraordinary instrument from 1642 is striking in every possible way: the sculpture of the full and powerful archings; the simple and elegant edges; the balance of the design of the f-holes; the elegance of the scroll cut; and the varnish, from which the observer’s eye cannot detach itself' - Alberto Giordano in the February 2026 issue of The Strad.
Returned or Flawed Posters – SMALL
We have a number of rolled posters that have been returned or have minor defects, which can be obtained at a massively discounted cost. These are ideal for students or makers who do not require pristine posters to work from. Although some posters are damaged, this is usually to the sides of the posters and not across the printed images.
This is the SMALL poster selection. Click here for our Returned and Flawed LARGE poster selection.
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These posters are limited. Please contact us directly if the poster you require is not on our list: services@thestradshop.com
For our Tailored Folded Poster Bundle, click here
Our rolled posters are shipped separately from other products. One tube can hold up to 10 posters. Save on postage costs by purchasing up to 10 posters per tube today.
Domenico Montagnana ‘Farina’ cello 1730 – FOLDED VERSION
FOLDED VERSION
Domenico Montagnana was possibly the greatest cello maker in history, and the 1730 'Farina' was made during the period when he was at the height of his powers. Unlike most Montagnana cellos, it has never been cut down and retains its original proportions. Now owned by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the instrument has a very powerful sound with a wide array of colours. Previous owners have included May Mukle, one of the first successful female cello soloists.
'The abundant famous Venetian varnish is of a rich, dark red colour, with a fascinating array of textures and patinas. In the areas where the varnish has worn off, a beautiful golden amber ground is revealed. As with most uncut Montagnana cellos, the outline is wide in the upper bouts and corners, and deeply swept in at the C-bouts, with big, broad lower bouts.' - John Waddle and Steve Sirr in the July 2025 edition of The Strad.
'When making recordings, the sound engineer has to turn down my microphone because it sounds up to eight decibels louder than any other cello' - Ilya Finkelshteyn, principal cellist, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Find out how more than 30 luthiers collaborated to build a copy of the c.1730 ‘Farina’ in the November 2023 Strad magazine article, "COPYING A MONTAGNANA CELLO – Robin Aitchison reports from the annual Oberlin Violin Makers Workshop"
***Don't miss our Folded Poster Tailored Bundle. Choose any two or more of The Strad’s folded posters and pay just £9.99 for each. Watch a video of some of the selection here***
‘Alard’ Guarneri ‘del Gesù’ violin 1742 poster
Our posters are shipped separately from other products. One tube can hold up to 10 posters. Save on postage costs by purchasing up to 10 posters per tube today.
