Built entirely by hand in Vancouver, Washington by violin maker Zachary Sears, this Guarneri model is inspired by the legendary 1743 "Il Cannone" del Gesù, the celebrated violin played by Niccolò Paganini. Designed to capture the power, depth, and immediacy of the original, it offers an exceptional combination of projection, warmth, and responsiveness.
 
Crafted from carefully selected European tonewoods, the violin features a premium spruce top with fine, even grain and subtle bear claw figure, paired with a striking one-piece flamed European maple back. The instrument is finished with a meticulously applied oil varnish, creating remarkable visual depth through layered ground and color coats before the final polish.
 
The setup reflects the same attention to detail, featuring premium rosewood fittings with gold trim, a StradPet titanium fine tuner, and a titanium tailgut for exceptional stability and performance.
 
Tonally, this violin is remarkably resonant with outstanding sustain and effortless projection. It responds immediately under the bow, producing a broad, powerful voice while retaining a sweetness and complexity not often found in newly made instruments. Balanced and easy to play, it rewards the player with a full, room-filling sound without requiring excessive effort.
 
This violin holds special significance as the first instrument completed by Zachary Sears, marking the beginning of his journey as a violin maker and reflecting his passion for the craft.
 
Features
Handcrafted by Zachary Sears in Vancouver, Washington (2024)
Guarneri del Gesù "Il Cannone" inspired model
Premium European spruce top with subtle bear claw figure
One-piece flamed European maple back
Hand-applied oil varnish with layered ground and color coats
Premium rosewood fittings with gold trim
StradPet titanium fine tuner
Titanium tailgut
Powerful, resonant tone with exceptional sustain and projection
Professionally set up for outstanding responsiveness and ease of play
 
Measurements
Length of Back (LOB): 357 mm
Upper Bout: 169 mm
Center Bout: 106 mm
Lower Bout: 210 mm
String Length: 330 mm
 
In Performance
Watch the Zachary Sears Guarneri Model Violin (2024) in action and experience its rich, resonant voice and exceptional projection.