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Scan 93
A dictionary of violin makers
26 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 83. See the scan on archive.org.
1Simoutre, Nicolas, b. 1788, at Mirecourt; d. 1870, at Metz. He began his business as a violin maker in 1820, in 1844 settled in Metz and worked there till his death. His son, Nicolas Eugene, was also a maker.
3Simoutre, Nicolas Eugène, son of Nicolas Simoutre; b. April 19, 1834, at Mirecourt. Was first a pupil of his father, then of Darche, in 1852, at Paris; then of Ch. Roth, in 1856, at Strassburg. He worked in Strassburg for four years, and in 1860 founded workshops both at Mulhausen and at Basle; since 1890 he has returned to Paris. He made various suggestions for improving the tone of violins, in 1883 he published on this subject, "Aux amateurs du violon historique, construction, réparation et conservation de cet instrument"; this was followed, in 1886, by "Un progrès en lutherie"; and in 1889 by a "Supplément aux amateurs du violon et au progrès en lutherie." He was awarded a "diplôme d'honneur" at the Basle Exhibition in 1877, and again at Zurich, 1883; but at the Paris Exhibition, 1889, only a bronze medal was awarded, which he refused to accept.
5Simpson, James, and Son. Were musical instrument makers in London in 1794. Label: "J. and J. Simpson, musical instrument makers at the Bass-Viol and Flute in Sweeting's Alley, opposite the East door of the Royal Exchange, London." The following label probably belongs to the son: "John Simpson, musical instrument maker, at the Bass Viol and Flute, in Sweeting's Alley, opposite the East door of the Royal Exchange, London."
7Sirjean. Was a maker of bows in Paris, at 31, rue de l'Ecole, in 1818.
9Sitt, A. A maker in Prague, d. 1878. A violin exhibited at Munich, in 1854, made on the Stradivari pattern, showed fine work; only the wood was rather thick and the tone slightly rough and dull, but both these defects would naturally wear off with time.
11Slaghmeulen, Jan Baptist van der. A maker in Antwerp about 1672. A violoncello of that date was exhibited in Paris in 1878, its proportions are good; the sound-holes much opened, but well cut; the varnish a pale brown colour; the scroll is pierced and represents a carved head surmounted by a gilt crown; within the purfling on the upper plate is a black band with a design in gold. Label: "Joannes Baptista van der Slaghmeulen tot Antwerpen, 16—."
13Smith, Henry. A maker of viols in London in 1633. In a collection of airs called Tripla Concordia, published 1667, is an advertisement of a chest of viols made by Mr. Henry Smith, who formerly lived over against Hatton house, in Holbourn, containing 2 trebles, 2 tenors, 2 basses. The chest was made in the year 1633."
15Smith, Thomas. A maker in London about 1740-90. Pupil and successor of Peter Wamsley. He had a great reputation as a maker of violoncellos, his instruments are much liked in England; they are made on the Stainer model, and some have a powerful tone, though not of very good quality; the varnish is rather poor, of a brownish-yellow colour; in 1799 they sold for £5 5s. up to £8; more recently two realised £30 and £40 each. It is doubtful if he ever made any violins and tenors. John Norris was a pupil of his. Label: "Made by Thos. Smith at the harp and hautboy in Pickadilly, London, 1756"; similar labels were used until 1766.
17Smith, William. A maker in Hedon, Yorkshire, in 1786. Label: "William Smith, violin maker, Hedon, 1786."
19Sneider, Giuseppe. A maker in Pavia about 1700-25. A pupil of Nicola Amati. His violins are slightly arched, the sound-holes gracefully cut, the workmanship carefully finished; the varnish is a rich yellow colour. Instruments made by Girolamo, son of Nicola Amati, have often been attributed to Sneider. Labels: "Joseph Sneider Paviæ, alumnus Nicola Amati Cremonæ fecit, anno 1703," and "Giuseppe Sneider in Pavia 1718, alumnus Nicola Amati Cremonæ."
21Snoeck (Schnoeck), Egidius. A maker in Brussels in 1731. Instruments are known of his, which are well made on the Amati pattern, with beautiful red brown varnish. Label: "Egidius Snoeck tot Brussel, 1731."
23Snoeck, Marc. Worked in Brussels after 1744. The following inscription was found written in a violoncello, which had undergone important repairs: "Cette basse par Marc Snoeck, réparée pour faire voir à ces envieux mon adresse, icy près de l'Eglise de Saint-Gery à Bruxelles, ancien luthier." There is no date, but what is presumably the original label is dated 1744, viz.: "Jean Christophe Vetter, Strasbourg, 1744."
25Socchi, Vincenzo. Was working in Bologna in 1661, according to the
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