Antique & Contemporary Instruments
A curated selection of fine string instruments, personally evaluated, set up and refined at the Fabio Nicotra atelier.
Instruments with history, character and individual voice
Fabio Nicotra’s atelier in Palermo presents a curated selection of antique and contemporary violins, violas and cellos chosen for their craftsmanship, provenance, condition and musical potential. The collection brings together instruments from different European violin-making traditions, from historic workshops to respected twentieth- and twenty-first-century makers.
Each instrument is individually examined, professionally set up and acoustically refined before presentation. Particular attention is given to structural integrity, response, projection, tonal balance and the relationship between the instrument and the musician who will play it. Private consultation is available for evaluation, acquisition and selection of fine string instruments.
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Antique Italian Violin
Antonio Sgarbi
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Contemporary Italian Violin
Giovanni Osvaldo Fiori
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Historic German Violin
Eugen Gartner
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Historic German Violin
F. J. Koch
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Historic German Violin
Julius Hempel
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Historic Violin
Ahm Moyptznoe
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Contemporary Italian Violin
Alberto Denti
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Historic Italian Violin
Alfredo Averna
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Contemporary Italian Violin
Antonina Calderone
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Historic Italian Violin
Camillo Di Leo
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Contemporary Italian Cello
Luigi Fratti
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Contemporary Italian Violin
Cesare Magrini
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Contemporary Italian Violin
Federico Michelagnoli
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Historic Violin
Early 20th-Century Violin
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Historic German Violin
Late 19th-Century German Violin
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Historic French Violin
Louis Guersan
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Contemporary Italian Violin
Giovanni Osvaldo Fiori
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Contemporary Italian Violin
Salvatore Costa
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Historic British Violin
William Robinson
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Historic French Violin
Georges Apparut
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Historic French Violin
Charles J.B. Collin-Mézin
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Antique & Contemporary Instruments — Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of antique and contemporary instruments are selected by the atelier?
The collection may include fine violins, violas and cellos by historic and contemporary makers, selected individually for their craftsmanship, condition, musical character, historical interest and suitability for professional musicians or private collections.
Ask on WhatsApp →How does Fabio Nicotra select a fine string instrument?
Each instrument is considered individually, taking into account construction, condition, quality of workmanship, responsiveness, tonal balance, musical character, attribution and available documentation before being presented through the atelier.
Ask on WhatsApp →Are provenance and certificates available for antique instruments?
Where available, an instrument may be accompanied by certificates, historical documentation or provenance information. Documentation is considered individually and presented according to the records available for the specific instrument.
Ask on WhatsApp →Can I request an evaluation of a fine or antique violin, viola or cello?
Yes. Instruments may be examined with attention to construction, condition, setup, musical response, documentation and relevant historical context. The scope of each evaluation is agreed individually with the owner.
Ask on WhatsApp →Do you assist private collectors in acquiring fine string instruments?
Yes. The atelier offers discreet individual consultation for private collectors seeking fine violins, violas and cellos, considering craftsmanship, historical context, condition, documentation and the objectives of the collection.
Ask on WhatsApp →Can I examine and play an antique or fine instrument before acquisition?
Yes. Available instruments can be examined and played by private appointment at the Fabio Nicotra atelier in Palermo. Specific trial arrangements may be discussed according to the instrument and individual circumstances.
Ask on WhatsApp →Can the atelier assist with the private sale or acquisition of an instrument?
Requests concerning the acquisition or private sale of fine string instruments can be considered individually. The atelier may assist in evaluating the instrument, its condition, documentation and suitability for presentation to interested musicians or collectors.
Ask on WhatsApp →Are antique instruments professionally checked before presentation?
Selected instruments are professionally examined with attention to structural condition, setup, responsiveness and tonal balance. Any intervention is considered according to the individual instrument and with respect for its historical identity.
Ask on WhatsApp →Can an antique instrument receive restoration or conservation work at the atelier?
Yes. Restoration and conservation requirements are assessed individually. The objective is to preserve structural integrity, historical character and musical function while respecting the identity of the instrument and limiting intervention where appropriate.
Ask on WhatsApp →How can I enquire privately about an important instrument?
Private enquiries can be made directly to the Fabio Nicotra atelier. Information concerning availability, documentation, condition, appointments and individual acquisition requirements can be discussed confidentially.
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