Description
Education and Craftsmanship
Lillo Salerno's passion for violin making began at a young age, inspired by a documentary on the legendary Antonio Stradivari. This early fascination led him to Cremona, Italy, in 1998, where he immersed himself in the rich tradition of Italian violin making. After completing his studies at the International School of Violin Making in Cremona, Mr. Salerno further honed his skills at the Violin Making School of Mittenwald in Germany, where he absorbed the meticulous German approach to lutherie. With expertise from both schools, Mr. Salerno crafts instruments that are a testament to the combined strengths of Italian and German violin making traditions.
What Sets Lillo Salerno Apart Mr. Salerno is dedicated to creating instruments that resonate with musicians of all levels. He offers both a master line and a workshop line, ensuring that his finely crafted violins are accessible to a wide range of customers. Each instrument is handmade using carefully selected, well-aged tonewood and finished with an oil varnish, resulting in a balanced, broad, and far-reaching tone. The violins in the Salerno Master line are particularly distinguished, made with wood that is 80-100 years old, often featuring a one-piece maple back or a one-piece spruce top.
What truly sets Mr. Salerno apart is his commitment to meeting the individual needs of his customers. He takes the time to understand their preferences, making adjustments to create the perfect instrument for each player. His dedication to customer satisfaction is further reflected in his advice to his younger self: to travel more and learn additional languages, allowing him to better serve a diverse clientele.
The Pforzheim Workshop
Mr. Salerno's workshop in Pforzheim, Germany, is a hub of creativity and tradition. Known as the 'gateway to the Black Forest' and famous for its jewelry industry, Pforzheim is the perfect setting for Mr. Salerno's work. He finds immense joy in the process of violin making, particularly in hearing the first sounds from an instrument he has crafted—a moment that brings his work to life.
In addition to his expertise in violin making, Mr. Salerno is passionate about the restoration of historical instruments. His workshop in Pforzheim allows him to explore this interest in great depth, combining his love for history with his exceptional craftsmanship.
When he's not at his workbench, Mr. Salerno enjoys spending time with his family and his dog, Gina. Fluent in German, Italian, and English, he is as skilled in conversation as he is in violin making.
We at the Little Rock Violin Shop are honored to offer Mr. Salerno's masterful instruments. We invite you to visit our store and experience the artistry of this Sicilian-born, Cremonese-trained master luthier for yourself.
