Alfred Eugene Lanini

LANINI, Alfred Eugene Born 1891 Gonzales, died 1956 San Jose, California USA. Moved to San Jose in 1907. Studied violin making with Dr Walter Hill. Went to Milan to work with Romeo Antoniazzi c.1911, and also for Celeste Farotti. Returned to San Jose 1914. Established a shop in San Francisco 1917, but moved back to San Jose in the same year. Eminent American violin and bow maker. Learned bow making from August Neuberger-Suess and Husson, c.1927-1928, and made about 100 bows up to c.1935 when he was forced to stop because of allergic reactions. Completed up to 600 instruments, including 60 violas and 25 cellos. Several violins modelled on his own Omobono and Stradivari instruments; Guarneri models after 1930. Clear spirit varnish of Antoniazzi recipe. Red and brown colouration prior to 1930; later orange-red. Also used local American timber after 1930. Branded internally and under the endpin: �A. Lanini�. Teacher of his sons, Henry and Paul, and Clarence Shaw in violin making, and of John Bolander in bow making. Manuscript label: Alfred Lanini / San Jose, California / 19..