This violin's labelling is in French - the generic Amati label is in French and a second label of the firm of Jérôme Thibouville-Lamy (JTL) is stuck in, partly over the original label. But that is the only thing about this instrument that is French. Taking into account this instrument's arching and varnish, there can be no doubt that it is of German origin, very likely ordered from a German studio by JTL. In such a case the instrument would be labelled as JTL. Sticking the JTL label over the original label is telling - it would imply that this violin was not made by the firm of JTL, but was likely sourced elsewhere for the French market.

JTL instruments fitted with a École Grandini labels were very often outsourced and not produced in the JTL studios. This was certainly the case with some cellos labelled 'Grandini' but sold by JTL. So it is completely conceivable that such instruments could have been sourced in other countries, since the dynamics involved were purely financial.

However, all instruments bearing JTL labels are considered to this day as excellent trade instruments. The JTL brand was in itself a guarantee of quality high-end trade, irrespective of the true origin of the instrument. Furthermore, such an order would typically have set requirements in choice of wood and other aspects of production that would have to meet JTL requirements. And in this respect this violin stands as a good example.

Firstly, it is extremely well-toned by all standards, with a strong, incisive, focussed and balanced tone with lots of projection. It is eminently suitable to meet a high degree of demand placed on it from any advanced and even professional player.

The materials are well-chosen: the nicely flamed two-piece back with matching ribs combined with a good quality tone-spruce top give an illusion that this could be purely French. However, the steep rise in the top arching with a dead-flat middle section, combined with a fairly deeply arched back, is purely German and nothing will persuade that this violin was made in France according to French norms.

A poorly fitted chinrest clamp caused a crack in the top, in the lower bass quadrant - this has been correctly repaired with 5 cleats on the inside, is stable and will not threaten the violin's structural integrity.

This is a good violin by all standards and it should meet the requirements of both demanding teachers and discerning students, and beyond.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 36.0 cm

Condition :
	Excellent condition. One crack in the top has been professionally repaired and cleated inside. New bridge, new pegs, new tailpiece.

Provenance :
	Withheld

Price :

P.O.A.