Fine French violin by Charles Buthod – a soloist instrument from around 1850

A hidden gem of French violin making history, this master violin by Charles Buthod reveals the brilliant skill of the young ambitious luthier who later became one of the founding fathers of Jérôme Thibouville-Lamy (JTL)

This fine French violin by Charles Buthod is a marvellous instrument for soloists and professional musicians; it impressively demonstrates the highly refined abilities of this luminary who played such an important part in the history of French instrument making. In and of itself this fine Charles Buthod violin serves as a mile marker of historic relevance in his illustrious career. As the original label shows, at this early phase in his career as an independent luthier, Charles Buthod still regarded himself as an "eléve du Sr. VUILLAUME" in reference to the Parisian workshop where he trained, as did several of the other finest French masters of his day. This nod to the great J. B. Vuillaume ― probably less from the perspective of an apprentice and more from that of a longtime employee ― may have bolstered the early reputation of the Mirecourt workshop Charles Buthod established; soon, however, he was no longer needed to use the Vuillaume name, because the Buthod workshop quickly became one of the leading lights in French stringed instruments. After multiple mergers, it eventually grew into Jérôme Thibouville-Lamy (JTL) and attained international domination. This well-played Charles Buthod violin marks the beginning of his great success story; Charles Buthod crafted it out of the finest tone woods and gave it a golden-brown varnish of exquisite transparency. The grain of the spruce top and the fine tight flames of the one-piece maple back give this fine violin an inimitable and distinctive aesthetic that is further enhanced by the interesting traces of use by outstanding musicians and restorations near the soundpost area as a sign of the highest esteem for this violin, both of which reflect the great appreciation this violin was shown in its original state. Thanks to the excellent standard at which it was restored the violin, which is offered at half price, remains in excellent playing condition. A JTL miniature stamp on the floor near the repair obviously refers to the repair. The large, warm, radiant sound of this violin opens up rich opportunities for musical interpretation, and its strength and well-developed volume makes it suitable for top-tier soloist performance. The large and warm, radiant sound of this violin opens up a wide range of interpretation possibilities and, with its power and well-developed volume, seeks a first-class solo performance. Like all our offers, free shipping, with a 30-day return policy and Corilon's trade-in guarantee.