Alfio Batelli di Firenze cello 1975, Francesco Ruggeri 1673 copy, Los Angeles | Metzler Violins

rich, projecting, warm

About the Instrument
This cello has a lovely resonance, singing at its upper registers with a deep richness in its bass registers. The russet varnish is applied over a golden ground. Its two-piece back is a half-slab cut of unflamed willow, and its ribs are of a plainer willow. The top plate is uniquely shallow. This late-career cello is modeled after one made by Francesco Ruggieri, known for being the first to craft a smaller cello while maintaining a depth of sound. This cello’s original scroll has been grafted onto a flamed maple neck and the cheeks have been double grafted. This instrument is in good condition.

Interior facsimile label reads: “Franſco Ruggeri dett'll Per /in Cremona l'anno 1673.” The luthier then wrote in pencil above: “Alfio Batelli / di Firenze ITALIA / Fece anno, 1975”

Length: 750 mm
Upper Bouts: 342 mm
Middle: 239 mm
Lower Bouts: 441 mm

About the Maker
Alfio Batelli (1903-1977) was born in Chianciano, Italy. He studied in Florence under Valentino de Zorzi and Paoletti Vezio before opening his own atelier in the city. Batelli immigrated to Chicago in 1947 to work at Kagen & Gaines Music Company. Three years later, he began working at Hans Weisshaar’s workshop in Los Angeles, where he stayed for over a decade before opening his own shop in Monterey Park in 1963. Batelli crafted over 300 stringed instruments throughout his career as a luthier.