Charles Jean-Baptiste Collin-Mezin violin, France, 1891

Trained by Nicolas-Francois Vuillaume the brother of that colossus of French violin making Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, Charles Jean-Baptiste Collin-Mezin made a name for himself in Paris in the final decades of the nineteenth century with several notable prizes for his violins. This beautifully-made example from that early period is modelled after Guarneri del Gesu, with Collin-Mezin’s typical broad central arching in the belly, and a lustrous, broadly flamed maple back. This violin has strong breadth and good clarity, with excellent projection. It plays best with a faster, lighter bow speed to bring out its full potential, making it well suited to an advanced student or professional.