Archive

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

Bazin’s grandchildren: bow making in turbulent times

Couesnon: The third defining element in modern violin making in Mirecourt

Vatelot-Rampal: on the art of healing violins

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

Crossing borders: on the history of violin making in western Bohemia

François Xavier Tourte and the modern violin bow (the violin bow, part III)

Bernard Millant and Le Canu-Millant, Paris: lutherie and expertise

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.

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