Scan 210
The violin: its famous makers and their imitators, 1875
4 lines. Read by computer on 28 September 2026. No printed page number was found. See the scan on archive.org.
1Despont, Antoine, Paris, early in 18th century. Made several excellent instruments of various patterns.
3De Comble, Ambroise, Tournay, 1730—1760. Was one of the best makers of the old French school. It is said that he worked in the shop of Antonius Stradiuarius, and judging from the character of the work, together with that of the varnish, I think it not unlikely that he did receive instructions from the great Cremonese maker. The varnish is quite of the Italian type; the colour is of a rich red, with much body. His instruments are inclined to roughness as regards workmanship, and, therefore, are not pleasing to the eye. There is a resemblance to the instruments of Stradiuarius after 1732 in form though not in workmanship, and he would, therefore, seem to have copied those late instruments. They may be described as of large pattern, flat model, and having an abundance of wood. They are deserving of attention both from the professor and the amateur, the workmanship being skilful and the material excellent. The tone is large, and frequently possesses the richness so much admired in the works of the Italians. This quality is traceable to the soft and flexible nature of the superior varnish with which these instruments are covered. Several Violas and Violoncellos are extant which were made by De Comble.
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