Dogal Strings

Post date: Dec 01, 2016 2:52:35 PM

Today we traveled to Marghera to visit Dogal Strings, a company that produces handmade strings for musical instruments. In business since 1950, Dogal Strings does mostly wholesale, but still focuses on producing for quality, not quantity. This kind of creativity is important to the business, and to its customers. Dogal has increased its social media presence and has found that this is instrumental in increasing success. The company also visits trade shows and conventions around the world to share its products. Although it does not sell to the public, Dogal still has a tough time keeping up with the demand for its strings, as the turnaround time is about two months. (Employees only work Monday through Friday, 8:30-5:30.) When asked if the company would consider hiring more workers, they stressed the number of years (eight!) it takes to learn to make the strings.

Although space is more expensive in Venice, Dogal Strings appreciates the creativity and popularity of the city. The company was located on various lagoon islands until 1997 when it moved to a new facility in Marghera. This move was mainly due to the inconvenience the previous location posed to the workers. Dogal hires only women, as their smaller, delicate hands make it easier to build the strings. When the women married and moved to the mainland, it became more difficult and troublesome for them to commute to Venice each day. Additionally, production is easier on the mainland. The current building is better suited for the machinery necessary to make the strings, and the company no longer feels too loud for its environment. Finally, it is also neighbored by other artisanal businesses, creating a sort of community and camaraderie among the companies.