Dario Vettori

Dario Vettori was born in Firenzuola, Italy, on November 19, 1903, where he lived and worked for all of his life. He began to study as a musician under Emilio Benelli and his brother, Vasco Vettori, who studied at the Conservatory in Imola, and he performed as a violist in the “Quartetto Benelli”. As his passion for musicianship grew, he became interested in violin-making. He first studied under Italian master luthier Primo Contavalli. The instruments he made at this point were characterized by deep fluting and very precise corners. In 1937, Dario met Giuseppe Ornati, who subsequently became his principal inspiration. Ornati’s influence can be seen in Dario’s instruments completed after the 50s. The edges are lighter and rounder, and the fluting is less deep. The angles of the corners are less extreme, while the fluting on the lower wings of the f-holes is more accentuated. Dario often used Stradivarian models, and those of Guarneri del Gesù. He favored local woods from trees that he himself selected in the mountains of the Tuscan Apennine mountains. He established close contacts with several contemporary Tuscan violin-makers, including Fernando Ferroni. On Ferroni’s death, Dario recieved many of his molds and tools.

Dario’s only two pupils were his sons Carlo and Paolo Vettori. Over the years, his instruments recieved extraordinary accolades at various festivals and competitions. He recieved three gold medals at the Exhibition of Genova-Pegli, in 1956, 1958 and 1960; a silver medal in Florence; and a gold medal at the Exhibition of Cremona in 1965. During his life, Dario made 156 violins, 37 violas, 2 violoncellos and 2 quartets. He died on June 12, 1973.