Charles Résuche Violin, Bordeaux 1908

Charles Résuche is a fine and rather under-estimated maker of the Lyon school – here we have a rather beautiful example of his work, entirely crack-free and with an exceptional sound.

We’re always on the lookout for violins by Charles Résuche – they are beautifully made, the sound is always first class, and they represent ridiculous value for money.

Although born in Mirecourt and trained in Paris (notably working for Gand & Bernardel), Résuche started his own career in Lyon and his style is closest to that of Blanchard and Boulangeot. By the time this violin was made he was in partnership with Meynieu and based in Bordeaux.

This violin has a typical lustrous oil varnish, the materials are the best, and there’s a softness around the edges that differentiates the work from the more sterile Parisian aesthetic.

There are no cracks or repairs on this violin and it has never been opened – apart from some blemishes to the varnish it’s in perfect condition.

Every now and then we come across a violin which just causes me to tear my hair out in exasperation. On the face of it, this instrument looks relatively normal, conventional even – yet by some strange alchemy it produces more sound, and of better quality, than a hundred very similar looking instruments. What’s the explanation?

It’s a standard Strad model, with everything in the usual places – for sure the wood is outstanding, the craftsmanship is exacting, and the varnish is pliable, but there’s surely more going on than that.

It’s a powerful and responsive instrument which exhibits no quirks or weaknesses. However, it’s in no way stiff – quite the opposite, it’s smooth, zingy and full of harmonic complexity. OK, it doesn’t sound like a classical Cremonese instrument, but it has all the qualities you would hope to find in a top contemporary instrument. And it’s over a hundred years old and has stood the test of time…

Above all it’s a joy to play, always musical, always willing.