Aquila Strings

Overview

Aquila Corde Armoniche is an Italian manufacturer of musical instrument strings, specializing in gut and synthetic strings for historical and early music performance. Founded to revive traditional gut string production, it focuses on research-driven innovation while maintaining Italian string-making heritage. The brand supplies strings for instruments like violin, viola, cello, double bass, and ukulele, with a U.S. representative handling North American distribution.¹²³⁴⁵

History

Aquila Corde Armoniche was founded in November 1991 by Mimmo Peruffo, an Italian researcher and string maker, to perpetuate the tradition of gut strings through research and innovation. The company has developed synthetic strings like Nylgut with innovative acoustic properties and continues producing gut strings, one of few worldwide doing so. In recent years, it introduced wound strings such as Flat- and round spirals in 2024, and is owned by Cordoba Music Group.¹⁴⁵⁶

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured in-house at the Aquila Corde factory in Italy, where the company produces both gut and synthetic strings. Mimmo Peruffo oversees production as owner, emphasizing traditional methods combined with innovation. Aquila remains one of the few producers of gut strings globally.¹⁴

Notable Products

• Nylgut Strings - Synthetic strings mimicking gut with enhanced tuning stability and durability for historical instruments.
• Thunder Gut Strings - Low-tension gut strings developed for u-bass and ukulele applications.
• Flatwound and Roundwound Spirals - New wound strings introduced in 2024 for acoustic instruments.
• Violin Gut Strings - Plain and wound gut strings for authentic early music violin performance.

Reputation

Aquila is regarded by early music enthusiasts and professionals for its authentic gut strings and innovative Nylgut synthetics that closely replicate historical tone. Strengths include research-driven quality and tradition preservation, though some note higher costs compared to mass-produced strings. The brand holds a niche but respected position in historical performance circles.¹²³⁴