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Violins

Although subject to slight changes according to the maker's caprice, three violin models are produced.

The Trotteur

This slightly shorter model offers a quick response and a mild tone that perfectly suits repertoire asking for fast execution and an ethereal refined voice that projects well. Slender and swift, this violin shares the nickname of the legendary Alexis Le Trotteur, the fastest man ever!

The Montferrand

The wide pattern used for this sturdy violin allows the rise of full and strong arching The name comes from one of the well-known "strong men" of the province. Its deep and convincing voice conforms to supple bow work, but wont fail to render the strong playing range.

The Levasseur

This violin freely revisits the style of the Amatis and the Tononis. It is an actualisation of the baroque style rather than a faithful reproduction. Its specifications were studied to provide the player a standard playing comfort in regard to string length, while the true baroque feeling and sound are preserved. Its name refers to a renowned woodworker in Nouvelle-France who also apparently first held the role of instrument maker in the early eighteenth century.

Violas

The violas are usually rather short in body length (under 415 millimetres or 16 3/8 inches). String lengths are proportioned to the outline, so they vary from 365 millimetres to 375 millimetres (approximately 14 3/8 to 14 3/4 inches). Three basic models are offered, but they can be altered to suit the violist’s particular needs.

15 3/8 inches

16 inches

Cellos

Cello models are currently under conception work. Two models are nevertheless offered. Although based on Venetian and Cremonese masters, they remain entirely original.

The Cremonese

This violoncello shows proportions close to those of Stradivari’s such as the 1710 Gore-Booth, the 1711 Duport and the 1712 Davidov. Having a few millimetres wider in the middle bouts and a shy 755 millimetres body length, the outline is rounder and more generous, almost recalling the late seventeenth century Italian church basses. Sounding deep on the bass strings, showing short reaction time and an A string that passes well, this instrument can be very obliging.

The Venetian

Stocky in shape, this cello is influenced by the work of Montagnana and Goffriller, but avoids proportions considered extreme by today’s standards. Its shorter body length (748 millimetres), combined with a conservative upper bout width, provides good ergonomic advantages upon other large Venetian cellos. The high archings bring additional inner volume to the already wide breast. Although requiring more effort in fast passages, it offers a very deep solemn voice.

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