French 3/4 master violin by Augustin Claudot

This French 3/4 master violin is a rare historic masterpiece of this small size and was made by Augustin Claudot around 1820. Augustin Claudot came from a wide-ranging family of Mirecourt luthiers and learned his craft from his father, Charles Claudot. It was from his father that Augustin also took on the practice of using only a brandmark instead of a label, and this mark indisputably confirms the authenticity of the violin we offer here. His instruments' voice have a remarkable power and size which particularly benefit a smaller violin such as this one; it offers talented young musicians competition-worthy musical properties and can hold its own against a full-sized violin. The top is crafted out of superior-quality finely-grained spruce, and expressive traces of use, especially on the upper treble side, confirm that the violin was extensively played by generations of skilled musicians. The flat table of the orange-brown varnish and its solidly carved one-piece back of gently-flamed maple both reflect the experience and excellent training Claudot had; he was at the apex of his career when this instrument was crafted. As is common for frequently played violins of such an advanced age, it has a few well visible repairs, which has been taken into consideration in the price. Our master luthiers carefully checked the repairs and set up the entire violin and made it ready to play. It is a highly recommended instrument with a large, warm and precise sound, compellingly powerful, rich in timbre in the upper registers and with excellent volume in the lower notes.

 

 

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