A French Mirecourt Cello c. 1930 (FR033) - $11,995 Canadian

A French Mirecourt Cello c. 1930 (FR033) - $11,995 Canadian

This impressive instrument was made in the town of Mirecourt, France likely during the interwar years.

Mirecourt is a small town in the north east of France with a tradition of string instrument manufacture dating back to the 16th century. Some of the finest makers have emerged from the area. The town’s success was built on the guild system which ensured quality control, apprenticeship training standards and the seamless passing of knowledge from one generation to the next. Influential Mirecourt makers include Vuillaume, Lupot, Collin-Mezin, Derazey, Bazin, Gand, and Chanot among others.

During the mid-19th century some larger factories with an emphasis on export emerged, the largest being Jerome Thibouville-Lamy (JTL). Worthy competitors included Laberte-Humbert Frères, Didier Nicolas, and Bernardel.

This cello is unlabeled so it is hard to identify who made it, but it most likely hails from one of the larger workshops. Along with multiple brands under their own name, these makers would sell unlabeled instruments mainly to retailers so they could add their own labels if they wished. Whoever made this instrument did so in the typical Mirecourt style with the button, corners, block, varnish and a black line carefully painted along the edges of the scroll, all typically indicative of its origin.

Good Mirecourt instruments of this era are highly prized for their quality of manufacture and tone. This one has plenty of vibrant, projecting sound and a lovely clear tone.

There is an attractive ebony crown which has been fitted around the button after a neck repair. The cello is in great condition. It is fitted with a new set of premium Belcanto strings from Thomastik, a new bridge, soundpost, Wittner tailpiece and carbon fiber endpin.

The length of back is 755mm, high resolution photos available on request.

Recording coming soon!