Léon Mougenot Violin Mirecourt 1925

This violin was made by Léon Mougenot in Mirecourt, in 1925. Mougenot was a well-known maker during the early 20th Century, whose biggest legacy apart from his instruments would be his prolific teaching output, training over 75 apprentices and collaborators during his career. He began his trade studying with Emile Laurent, and subsequently spent some time with his father's cousin Georges Mougenot, Paul Blanchard, Paul Jombar, and finally Hill & Sons, before establishing his own workshop in Mirecourt. This extensive training brought him from Mirecourt to Lyon, Paris, and even London, giving him quite a cosmopolitan approach and background to his own making. 

The violin is labelled "Léon Mougenot / Nº 479 Mirecourt année 1925". The body measures 358mm along the back, 169mm across the upper bouts and 207mm across the lower bouts. It has a two-piece back of highly flamed maple with a broad curl, well-matched ribs and scroll, and the front is a finely grained spruce of even growth. The violin is finished with rosewood fittings and a gold-brown varnish. It is in good condition and comes with a certificate from S&F Bower. 

It has a remarkably broad and resonant tone, with an almost tenor-like character to it and a very open core to its sound. It projects very easily, lending itself well to soloistic repertoire, and while possessing a very wide lower register it still has a relatively well-balanced sound. It has a slightly higher action, which helps to add a little bit more projection especially in larger spaces, and makes it well-suited to confident players looking to push themselves and their technique. As such, this violin would be very well suited to someone engaged in tertiary study or a professional career. 

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