Portrait
Edgar Russ is a master luthier who has been making in Cremona for decades and has consistently managed to set himself apart. He is one of the most established and innovative makers working in the city.
He has over thirty-five years at the bench, and works from a wide range of classical models, including Stradivari, the 1744 Guarneri del Gesu "Sainton" and a Carlo Antonio Testore of 1740. His workshop has also trained a generation of younger makers, several of whom now work independently.
Russ instruments are played by high-profile musicians around the world, from members of the Vienna Philharmonic to orchestral principals in the United Kingdom, and many of the examples that reach us have already spent years in professional hands.
The instruments we have handled have all shared a particular quality: strong but refined, never simply loud. The Testore model has a sweet, resonant low end that gives way to brilliance and precision at the top. The Sainton is everything you want from a good Guarneri copy, characterful and rich with tremendous projection. The Stradivari models respond immediately and give a focused, powerful sound with quality across all four strings. His older instruments come back to us regularly and have held up, which is its own kind of recommendation.
Played by
Members of the Vienna Philharmonic, orchestral principals in the UK
Elsewhere
Compare instruments against each other, and against an antique, in a blind test with studio audio. No labels until you have chosen.
What is the difference between Edgar Russ Master Instruments, Linea Macchi and Scala Perfetta?
Master Instruments are individually made by a named master maker. Linea Macchi instruments are made in Cremona by skilled makers under Edgar Russ’s supervision. Scala Perfetta instruments come from selected European workshops and are finished and set up in Cremona. The range and individual maker should always be identified when comparing instruments.
How do Edgar Russ’s Stradivari, Guarneri and Testore models compare?
Among the Edgar Russ violins we have handled, the Stradivari models have been focused and immediately responsive, the Guarneri models rich and characterful with strong projection, and the Testore model sweet in the lower register with brilliance above. These are observations about particular instruments, so we recommend choosing by playing rather than by model name alone.
Who plays Edgar Russ instruments?
Members of the Vienna Philharmonic and orchestral principals in the UK, alongside professional players internationally.
Where are Edgar Russ instruments made?
In Cremona, Italy.
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