Giovanni Battista Guadagnini (also known as J. B. Guadagnini or Giambattista Guadagnini; June 23 1711 - September 18 1786) was an Italian musical instrument maker, one of the greatest luthiers (makers of violins and other string instruments) in history. His violins are often referred to as "poor man's Strads" which alludes to the work of Antonio Stradivari, who is generally considered to be the greatest violin maker of all time. Wikipedia
The definitive Wikipedia entry for Giovanni Battista Guadagnini. Wikipedia is the biggest multilingual free-content encyclopedia on the Internet. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giovanni_Battista_Guadagnini
Also referred to as J. B. Guadagnini (1711-1786), Born in Bilegno near Piacenza, Italy - (southwest of Cremona by approx. www.leroydouglasviolins.com/guadphotos.htm