Fine violin by François Gaviniès, Paris, 1756 (certificate J.-J. Rampal)

François Gaviniès (1683-1772) is one of those representatives of the old Parisian school of violin making whose work reflects the gradual establishment of the Stradivarius model in French violin making - and who is unjustly overshadowed by his famous son, the violinist Pierre Gaviniès.

The contemporary joke that his son was the best product of his workshop fails to recognize that Pierre's musical abilities may well have been a consequence of the excellent environment he found in his father's violin-making workshop. This assumption is supported by the François Gaviniès violin offered here with its outstanding playing and sound characteristics, which qualify it for professional use: Thanks to its good response, its perfectly balanced sound develops across the strings and registers with a dark-sweet, lovely warmth and impresses with its radiant, ringing power in the upper ranges, while in the lower ranges it opens up an exceptional overall spectrum for differentiated, musically sophisticated interpretations thanks to its clarity and maturity. The high status of this François Gaviniès violin is also unmistakably articulated visually, for example in the delicate, filigree purfling, the beautiful, shimmering golden-brown varnish, the deeply flamed maple of the back and the authentic character of the upright scroll. It was crafted at a later date with great sensitivity, reflecting the appreciation of later generations for this excellent antique French violin. The original label by François Gaviniès and a certificate by the renowned expert J.-J. Rampal attest to the authenticity of the instrument, which has been restored with a sound post patch to the highest standards. 

• Violin by François Gaviniès, 1756
• Old Parisian school of violin making
• Perfectly balanced sound for high musical demands
• Fine craftsmanship
• Original label and certificate by J.-J. Rampal

Our trade-in guarantee, free delivery and 30-day return policy are included in the price; a certificate of appraisal is available on request.