Author: GADDA Mario – Mantova 1989
Mario Gadda is the son of the master craftsman Gaetano Gadda. Born in Mantua in 1931, he began training as a luthier with his father at the age of 16. Gadda helped bring the Mantuan tradition of violin making into the 21st century. Many of his instruments were inspired by Tommaso Balestrieri and by his father’s teacher Stefano Scarampella, the luthiers responsible for the Mantuan tradition. Gadda made more than 500 instruments during his life. He became internationally famous, selling his instruments to musicians and orchestras in Europe, Asia and America. Gadda has also exhibited his works at numerous competitions around the world. Gadda trained only one student during his life: Claudio Testoni.