Your sound deserves an instrument made for you.
Handcrafted instruments shaped through traditional Italian violin making, acoustic research and an individual search for sound.
Discover the instruments →Fabio Nicotra, Violin Maker in Palermo
Fabio Nicotra is an Italian violin maker based in Palermo, crafting handmade violins, violas and cellos in the great Cremonese tradition of violin making.
His work combines carefully selected woods, acoustic research and the sensitivity of traditional craftsmanship to create instruments with a distinctive voice. The atelier also specialises in the restoration, acoustic setup and fine-tuning of string instruments, alongside a selected collection of antique violins.
At the Origins of Sound
Craftsmanship, intuition and the pursuit of a distinctive voice.
Instruments with a distinctive voice
Discover instruments handcrafted by Fabio Nicotra alongside a carefully selected collection of antique and contemporary violins and cellos.
Handcrafted Violin
Guarneri del Gesù “Cannone”
View Instrument →
Handcrafted Violin
Guarneri del Gesù “Kochanski”
View Instrument →
Historic French Violin
Louis Guersan
View Instrument →
Historic French Violin
Charles J.B. Collin-Mézin
View Instrument →Your sound deserves an instrument made for you
Crafted to Become Your Voice
Rooted in the great Cremonese tradition of violin making, every Nicotra instrument is shaped through a profound understanding of wood, acoustics and the sensitivity of the maker. A distinctive voice, crafted to become one with the musician.
Everyone’s needs are different. Tell me what you’re looking for and let’s work out the best solution together, through a direct and personal discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Fabio Nicotra instruments entirely handmade?
Yes. Each violin, viola and cello is made entirely by hand in the Fabio Nicotra atelier, using carefully selected tonewoods and traditional violin-making methods refined through acoustic research and individual craftsmanship.
Ask on WhatsApp →Can I commission a violin, viola or cello?
Yes. Instruments can be commissioned directly from the atelier. Each project is developed in dialogue with the musician, taking into account playing style, tonal preferences, projection, responsiveness and individual musical requirements.
Ask on WhatsApp →What should I consider when choosing a fine violin, viola or cello?
The choice of a fine instrument should consider tonal character, responsiveness, projection, condition, craftsmanship, provenance, maker and suitability for the player or collection. Fabio Nicotra provides individual guidance according to the musical and collecting objectives of each client.
Ask on WhatsApp →Can I try a fine instrument before purchasing it?
Yes. Selected instruments can be examined and played by private appointment at the atelier in Palermo. Trial arrangements may also be discussed individually where appropriate.
Ask on WhatsApp →Do you work with professional musicians and private collectors?
Yes. The atelier works with professional musicians, institutions and private collectors, offering discreet and individual consultation for the selection, acquisition, evaluation and care of fine string instruments.
Ask on WhatsApp →Do you offer fine antique and contemporary instruments?
Yes. A curated selection of antique and contemporary violins, violas and cellos may be available through the atelier, chosen for their quality, condition, musical character and historical interest.
Ask on WhatsApp →Are provenance and certificates available for important instruments?
Where available, selected instruments are presented with relevant documentation, certificates and provenance information. Each instrument is considered individually according to its history, attribution and available records.
Ask on WhatsApp →Can you evaluate a fine or antique string instrument before purchase or sale?
Yes. Instruments can be examined with attention to condition, construction, setup, musical response, documentation and market context, providing useful guidance before an acquisition, sale or private transaction.
Ask on WhatsApp →Do you restore and conserve antique string instruments?
Yes. Restoration and conservation work is evaluated individually, with particular attention to structural integrity, historical character, reversibility of intervention and preservation of the instrument’s identity.
Ask on WhatsApp →Can the sound of an instrument be refined for a specific musician?
Yes. Acoustic setup can be refined according to balance, responsiveness, projection, articulation and the musician’s playing requirements, always respecting the character of the instrument.
Ask on WhatsApp →Inside the Nicotra Atelier
Explore the instruments, craftsmanship and philosophy of Fabio Nicotra in the official brochure.
Musicians’ Voices
In Their Own Words
“A powerful and refined cello, capable of combining projection with sensitivity. Its voice is immediate, generous and full of character.”
Giovanni Sollima
Cellist
“A violin with a clear identity: responsive, balanced and rich in colour. An instrument that immediately invites you to explore its voice.”
Franco Mezzena
Violinist
“A cello with warmth, depth and a beautiful natural response. It feels effortless under the bow and deeply connected to the player.”
Miriam Prandi
Cellist
“Playing your cello was a true discovery: an immediate, versatile instrument, already ready for the stage, from recital to orchestra. A beautiful cello, with the authentic character of a great Italian instrument.”
Prof. Dimitri Fershtman
Cellist