Claude Augustin Miremont Violin, Paris 1879

CA Miremont is a highly respected Parisian maker of the mid 19th century. This violin is a beautifully preserved example of his del Gesu model with a muscular and refined sound.

In a sea of rather similar looking mid 19th century Parisian violins, the work of CA Miremont stands out – the models are quite personal interpretations of Stradivari and del Gesu, and there’s a looseness to the style of work and the design of the f-holes.

This violin is quite austere in appearance – the deep red-brown varnish has no antique-ing and the f-holes are square and masculine. The wood is unshowy but of the best quality.

The condition is near-mint, and there are no issues to report other than the grafted scroll – often the original necks on Miremont violins were set at a very steep angle with minimal overstand, and they are often replaced for this reason.

Miremont instruments have a great reputation for sound, and this violin doesn’t disappoint. It’s a robust and powerful instrument with a voice that’s at once full and precise. Overall it’s on the warmer side of the tonal spectrum, but it’s very articulate, slightly crunchy, and eminently suitable for a concert stage.

The high register is laser-like yet musical, and there’s a nice growl to the low end – everything in between has the same emphatic clarity.

This is not a violin for a tickler – it likes a firm bow and it responds best to a big technique, and with the right encouragement the sound will fill a hall.