Violin - 2/h labelled 'Leon Bernardel'

This violin was made around 1940 in Paris, France. The instrument's namesake 'Leon Bernardel' was a prolific Parisian violin and bow maker who studied for much of his life under his father Ernest Auguste, and then for a year with Justin Derazey, before working under the Gand and Bernadel Frères firm. In 1899, Bernardel opened his own workshop with his son Léon Bernardel II, and they went on to win a number of awards, including a bronze medal at the 1900 Exposition Universelle. Bernardel then went joined the Couesnon's workshop in 1913 where he became the artistic director until 1923.

This violin is labelled "Leon Bernardel / Luthier / 40 bis Faub g Poissonnière / Annee 1940 Paris". The body measures 357mm along the back, 165mm across the upper bouts and 203mm across the lower bouts. The back is of highly flamed maple with a broad curl in two pieces, and the ribs and scroll have been made to match. The top is a finely grained spruce which has been finished with a red-brown varnish and fitted with an ebony chinrest, rosewood pegs, and a Wittner tailpiece. It is in good condition.

This instrument embodies the classic sound of French violins. It has a perky tone, however, players are still able to draw out the sweetness that is present at the core of the sound. It projects easily across the upper and lower registers and responds well under both the fingers and the bow. It would be most suited for musicians in the upper levels of the AMEB and undertaking HSC study.

Please contact us if you would like to book an appointment to try this beautiful violin.