“The Aquilo, 2026” is the third in the series of original model violins handcrafted by Antoni Ruschil in London after the success of “The Argyle” & “The Crown Prince”. Built on the same mould, its proportions and measurements are the same, but with slightly flatter arching on the front and back, taking into consideration the arching of violins from Antonio Stradivari’s golden period instruments. The scroll is influenced more by the work of Nicolo Amati in particular from around 1640-1650.

It has a one-piece back, made from same tree as the wood of “The Argyle”, but in a different direction. It is lighter in weight than the previous two in the series, owing to slightly wider grain maple, which comes across tonally. Its sound is open, broad, rich and sweet in comparison to the more focused, brighter and shining Argyle. It would suit a player looking for a very rich, accessible and intimate sound.

The violin has been finished with exhibition quality fittings; French model boxwood pegs with ebony accents by Gerald Crowson, bespoke boxwood tailpiece with ebony fret by Alexander Accessories, flamed boxwood John Dunne model chinrest with titanium barrels by Alexander Accessories and Royal Eagle level Ruschil London bridge & soundpost. All Handmade in England. It is complimented with a full set of Thomastik Dynamo strings for strength and width.

About The Maker:

Originally from London, Antoni Ruschil graduated from Newark School of Violin Making, UK. He then went on to apprentice making and restoring stringed instruments in workshops across Europe to refine his skills. Starting in Germany at the workshop of Roger Hargrave, then to Cyprus to work with Stepan Soultanian and on to Italy to apprentice with the Vettori family violin makers. He finally returned to London to work for JP Guivier and then on to Stringers in London.  He has also worked with Dextra Musica, Norway, the Fondazione Stradivari and Museo Civico in Cremona, Italy.

Antoni Ruschil sold the first instrument he made to the permanent collection of The Royal Academy of Music. As well as working closely with students from RAM, he also works with many from The Royal College of Music and Guildhall, optimising and perfecting sound, restoring and repairing. He has made personal model instruments for professional players across the world.