This is a rare Guarneri model violin by Emile Germain – it’s in perfect condition and the sound is noble and refined.
Emile Germain is admired for the exactitude of his work and for his ability to produce fine sounding instruments. He was also an early patron of Eugene Sartory, and we see many early Sartory bows with plain ebony frogs bearing the E. Germain a Paris brand.
Like most of the Parisian makers of the time, Germain largely stuck to a Stradivari model, but we see occasional Guarneri models – unlike many French Guarneri models, these are appropriately sized (there’s noting more abhorrent than a big violin pretending to be a Guarneri copy). This example has a back length of 35.5 cm, implying that Emile Germain might actually have seen a real Guarneri!
In most respects this is a very typical example, precisely made and using fine materials. The edgework and purfling are restrained and unusually neat.
The condition is excellent and there are no cracks or damages. The neck has been reset with a small fillet in the neck root, and there are a couple of minor scuffs, otherwise nothing to report.
This is a lovely sounding violin which manages to combine clarity and sweetness. It’s very responsive, and while it can put out quite a growl on the G string, the tone is never crude or coarse. Its essential character is subtle and limpid.
Malleable and adaptable, this would be a great choice for a chamber musician – it has focus and warmth, and it can be pushed in any direction.
