Portrait
Daniele Tonarelli is a Cremonese violin maker in the fullest sense. Born in the city, trained there, and entirely devoted to its craft. He built his first violin at fifteen, on a childhood certainty that this was the work he would do.
He trained at the Scuola Internazionale di Liuteria and with Maestro Marco Nolli, and has taken awards at Baveno, Bagnacavallo, Moscow and Cremona. His instruments sit deep in the Italian tradition while remaining unmistakably his own, and he is known particularly for his antiquing. He returns most often to a 1772 G. B. Guadagnini model, alongside violins, violas and cellos of his own.
Tonarelli instruments are played by musicians in the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Spain and Iceland, from advanced students through to professional soloists and chamber players.
We met Daniele at his workshop in Cremona in 2018, in our first year, and he has been one of our most popular makers ever since. The appeal is easy to explain. His violins balance power against warmth in a way few new instruments manage, and the evenness across the strings means a player can move between them without any change of character. The response is satisfying from the first note. Of all his models, the 1772 Guadagnini is the one that captivated us early and still does.
Elsewhere
Compare instruments against each other, and against an antique, in a blind test with studio audio. No labels until you have chosen.
Which Daniele Tonarelli model should I choose?
Daniele works from Stradivari, Guarneri and Guadagnini models. From the instruments we have handled, his 1772 G. B. Guadagnini violin model has been a particular favourite for its combination of warmth, power and evenness, but the best choice depends on the player and the sound they are looking for. We can advise from our first-hand experience of several of his models.
Can you ship a Daniele Tonarelli instrument internationally?
Yes. We work with players internationally and can arrange insured worldwide shipping for instruments purchased through MyLuthier. We can also help with the relevant export documentation and customs process.
Does Daniele Tonarelli make violas and cellos as well as violins?
Yes. Daniele makes violins, violas and cellos in his Cremona workshop. Availability varies considerably between instrument types, so contact us if you are looking specifically for a Tonarelli viola or cello.
Can I try a Daniele Tonarelli violin in London?
Yes. Any Tonarelli instruments currently held by MyLuthier can be tried at our London showroom by appointment. We can also compare them with other contemporary instruments in a similar price range to help you understand the differences between makers and models.
Can I commission a Daniele Tonarelli instrument through MyLuthier?
Yes. We have worked directly with Daniele since 2018 and maintain an ongoing relationship with his workshop in Cremona. We can advise on current commission availability, expected delivery and model options, as well as any instruments already on order through MyLuthier.
