Antique French violin: Claude Chevrier around 1860 (Certificate J.-J. Rampal)

With this French violin, the French luthier Claude Chevrier presents himself as a sovereign master of his craft – a bold interpretation of the model by Didier Nicolas that gives professional musicians access to the tonal advantages of classic Mirecourt violin making in its most beautiful form, while keeping costs low.

The luthiers of the expansive Chevrier family are among the discoveries of 19th-century French violin making. This family produced remarkable masters over a period of more than 150 years. Claude Chevrier, the maker of the violin offered here, is descended from the most cohesive genealogical line, which began with the work of its progenitor in the 1820s and lasted until around 1980. This Mirecourt violin, built around 1850, shows Chevrier to be an experienced master who works with exquisite materials and has thoroughly absorbed the model of Didier Nicolas – one of the most influential role models of this generation of Mirecourt violin makers – and knows how to implement it in first-class instruments. The one-piece maple back has a spectacularly beautiful and extremely rare flaming, the details of which are perfectly accentuated by the transparent, light varnish. The experimental, darker color scheme of the center ribs and the finely carved scroll appears curious – an unmistakable expression of the non-conformist individuality of this violin. Claude Chevrier's brand stamp authenticates this completely undamaged antique violin, which is preserved in exceptionally good condition. It was carefully set up and made ready to play by the violin makers at our specialized workshop. With its radiant sound, rich in overtones, combining warmth and clarity, the violin opens up a wide range of musical expression – with the reliable security of our trade-in guarantee.

Claude Chevrier violin, short description:

• beautiful old French violin from the golden age of Mirecourt violin making
• patinated orange-brown varnish
• large, warm, mellow sound; radiant in the heights
• well preserved with pegbox labels and two minor top repairs
• certificate by J.-J. Rampal included in the price
• free worldwide shipping with 30 days returns and Corilon's trade-back guarantee