Archive

More detailed information about stringed instruments and the history of violin making.

James Tubbs: the classic name in English bow making

Christoph Gotting: Excellence by tradition

Violin makers and masters: archive "J-L"

Klingenthal: the origin of violin making

The violin wolf tone: Taming the wolf in a stringed instrument

International violin making competitions: Ente Triennale Cremona, Concours Etienne Vatelot, VSA competition, Mittenwald violin making competition and other contests

J. & A. Beare and Beares, London: expertise during changing times

French violin No. 73. Chenantais & Le Lyonnais, Nantes, 1933

This beautiful early 20th century French violin No. 73 by Chenantais & Le Lyonnais was made in Nantes in 1933, an instrument full of character that bears the original label as well as a second model label "Nicolaus Amatus" inside the body, as a reference to the classical Italian maestro. It was well crafted by these experienced and well-educated violin makers, and features medium high archings with soft flutings of the table. The delicate purfling was inlaid close to the edges and demonstrates flawless craftsmanship. The glossy orange-brown colored varnish bears meaningful traces from playing and determines the appearance of the instrument, with the unmistakable French style of a small and elegant, successfully carved scroll. This especially good sounding Chenantais & Le Lyonnais violin is preserved crackfree, with only an insignificant repair to the head of the scroll, it has been completely worked over in our atelier, where our violin makers among other works applied a new boxwood setup. Its convincing sound is strong and clear, a bright and warm voice rich in overtones.

Browse our special online selections of other French violins, the "Bows" section features our attractive selection of French violin bows.

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