Scan 230
The violin, its famous makers and their imitators, 1887
14 lines. Read by computer on 28 September 2026. No printed page number was found. See the scan on archive.org.
1FRENCH MAKERS.
3De Comble, Ambroise, Tournay, about 1760. It is said that he worked in the shop of Antonio Stradivari, and judging from the character of the work, together with that of the varnish, it is not unlikely that he did receive instructions from the great Cremonese maker. The varnish is very like Italian; the colour often 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 Stradivari 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.
5Delanoix, ——, Bruxelles, about 1760.
7Delaunay, ——, Paris, 1775, Viol-maker. M. Chouquet describes an instrument of this maker which is in the collection at the Conservatoire.
9Deleplanque, Gérard, Lille, 1768.
11Derazey, ——, Mirecourt. Many of the instruments of this maker are carefully finished. They are heavy in wood. The varnish is inclined to hardness.
13Despons, Antoine, Paris, 17th century, is said to have made excellent instruments of various patterns.
Makers on this page
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