Ferdinando Garimberti

1894 – 1982

 

Ferdinando Garimberti was born in Mamiano di Traversetolo in the province of Parma in 1894. He and his family moved to Milan in 1902. When Ferdinando was about sixteen years old, he met the Antoniazzi brothers from whom he learned the basics of violin making. During this time, he also became acquainted with luthiers Leandro Bisiach and Giuseppe Ornati.

After some time spent as a carpenter in the army, a milling machine operator, and a wine shop owner, Garimberti returned to Milan in 1920 to pursue violin making. There, he worked for the two most reputable luthiers in Milan, Giuseppe Pedrazzini and Leandro Bisiach. It is said that he disliked being referred to as an “apprentice” so he soon became an independent violin maker. In addition to his prolific career in instrument making, he taught at the Cremona Violin Making School between 1963 and 1966.

Garimberti’s early work resembled the style of Pedrazzini, one of his earliest influences. His work later developed closer to the style of his friend and competitor, Ornati. Garimberti showed a strong preference for one-piece maple backs, and primarily used red-orange varnish. His work was very precise and sharp. He received several important awards from national competitions in 1927, 1931, and 1937. He continued to craft instruments as he approached the end of his life in 1982, at the age of 88.