Discover beauty with every piece of history
Pursuit of the finest quality
Founded by international award-winning violinist Cheho who was selected to perform at President Obama’s inauguration, The Q handles quality instruments with the utmost care and understands what players are looking for in instruments from the player’s perspective.
1869 Fine Violin by Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume
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Renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and rich tonal quality, this perfect conditioned violin crafted by the esteemed French luthier Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume from the mid-19th century embodies both aesthetic beauty and musical prowess. Vuillaume's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the elegant curves and fine varnish, which enhance the instrument's visual appeal. Musically, the J.B. Vuillaume violin produces a warm, resonant sound with a remarkable balance across its registers, making it a favorite among soloists and chamber musicians alike. Its unique character and historical significance continue to captivate musicians and collectors, establishing it as a cherished piece in the world of string instruments.
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Form
The perfection condition J.B. Vuillaume violin modeled after Stradivari is a stunning example of luthier craftsmanship, reflecting the meticulous artistry of the mid-19th century. This instrument showcases the elegant lines and proportions reminiscent of Stradivari, with a beautifully flamed maple back and a rich, glowing varnish that enhances its visual allure. In perfect condition, the violin produces a powerful, warm tone with exceptional clarity and projection, offering a balanced response across all strings. Its impeccable setup and tonal qualities make it a coveted choice for both professional musicians and collectors, embodying the legacy of one of history's greatest violin makers.
Fine Violin by Giuseppe Fagliano
c. 1780-90
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Giuseppe Gagliano was a prominent Italian violin maker active in the 18th century, renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship and the high quality of his instruments. Born in Naples around 1700, Gagliano was part of a distinguished family of luthiers, which included his father, Alessandro, and his brothers. His violins are celebrated for their beautiful tonal qualities, elegant designs, and refined varnishes that often display a rich, warm color. Gagliano's work reflects a blend of traditional Italian techniques and personal innovation, making his instruments highly sought after by musicians and collectors. Today, Gagliano violins are prized not only for their sound but also for their historical significance in the lineage of Italian violin making.
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Giuseppe Gagliano's violins are characterized by their elegant and harmonious shapes, which reflect the classic Italian style of the 18th century. His instruments typically feature a slightly broader body than those of his contemporaries, with a well-defined arching that enhances both aesthetic appeal and acoustic performance. The corners are elegantly rounded, contributing to a graceful silhouette. Gagliano's attention to detail is evident in the smooth transitions between the body, neck, and scroll, creating a cohesive and refined look. The overall craftsmanship results in a violin that not only captivates the eye but also produces a rich, resonant sound, making it a favorite among musicians seeking both beauty and superior tonal quality.
1737 violin by Giovanni Battista Gabrielli
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Giovanni Battista Gabrielli (1716–71) is probably the most prominent figure in the Florentine school of violin making that developed from the end of the 16th century. Very little is known about his life apart from the fact that the violinist and composer Francesco Maria Veracini played one of his instruments, and that he reached wide recognition as a maker, judging from the obituary that appeared on the Gazzetta toscana on 6 April 1771, stating: ‘Due to an inflammation, at the age of 50 [sic] years, Gio. Batista Gabbrielli of Florence left this life a few days ago. He was famous for his skill in making stringed instruments, and especially violins, some of which had been commissioned by the most renowned professors of music and were sent to various parts of Europe.’
His name appears in 1768 in the registers of the guild of woodcarvers (in which Florentine luthiers were enrolled), where his workshop is stated to be ‘in via dello Studio’.
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Form
The model is typical of Gabrielli’s instruments, with full, round upper shoulders, and the upper corners shorter and more open than the lower ones, which makes for long C-bouts.
Arching
The arching is high, especially between the upper and lower corners. Here it rises rather abruptly and becomes flat at the top; in the upper and lower areas of the soundboard and back, the rise is more gradual. The arching is surrounded right around the edge by a shallow but wide fluting.
Soundholes
The f-holes are vertical and set far apart. The upper eyes are smaller than the lower ones and the notches are well marked, the inner ones being prolonged with a slight scoring on the surface of the soundboard towards the joint. The wings have slightly converging sides and no fluting, which is typical of the Tuscan school.
Scroll
The scroll is symmetrical, develops very regularly and is carefully finished. The two eyes are very short and barely project beyond the first volute which, by contrast, is rather wide. Viewing the violin side-on, the carving of the volute starts high, a little after the top of the eye, and is anticipated by a slender cut. The back of the scroll has a shallow fluting and parallel sides which only converge at the top.
Varnish
The original varnish is in good condition, of a golden orange–brown colour in a homogeneous transparent paste.
Label and brands
The instrument has an original label handwritten in brown ink that reads: ‘Joannes Baptista de Gabbrie[lli]s florentinus fecit – 1764’. In addition, there are two brand marks with the initials ‘GBG’ in a rectangle on the button and at the joint between the lower ribs.
Copy of c.1770 violin by Nicolò Gagliano
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Inscribed with "Riproduzione di Gagliano" by Carlo Morano it is said that the violin dated by to mid 19th century, made in Piedmont region of Nothern Italy.
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Form
The model bears a a level of resemblance with the signature Neapolitan style - interestingly decorated with inlay spades around the corners on the table, while beautifully ornamented by an ivory shield right underneath the nose in the back.
Arching
The arching is relatively flat compared to other Neapolitan violins but retains a beautiful curvature on the table.
Parts
All original parts, including diamond inlay pegs and tailpiece.
Our Services
Violin Tasting Salon
Imagine wine tasting but with an array of antique violins from 17-20th centuries for audience to experience their history, aesthetics, and most intriguingly their differences in sound.
Sound Adjustments
Every instrument has its optimal state that would require detail fitting with the most sensitive hearing and craftmanship. Bring your fiddle to our showroom for a checkup and experience the before & after the adjustment done by our experts and luthier.
The trusted partner between the West and China market
OUR COLLABORATORS
Louis Vuitton
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Christie's
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New York Youth Symphony
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KEF
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Louis Vuitton • Christie's • New York Youth Symphony • KEF •
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3 Salisbury Street
Hong Kong
Hours
Monday–Saturday
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Phone
+852 5405-7905
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