Vintage Charles Drouin 4/4 Violin French
A fine French violin by Charles Drouin, crafted in Mirecourt in the late 19th century. This well-preserved example features a beautifully flamed two-piece maple back, a signature scroll with elegant black detailing, and a clear, rich, subtle belcanto sound, it is easy to play with direct response.
A fine French violin by Charles Drouin, crafted in Mirecourt in the late 19th century. This well-preserved example features a beautifully flamed two-piece maple back, a signature scroll with elegant black detailing, and a clear, rich, subtle belcanto sound, it is easy to play with direct response.
A fine French violin by Charles Drouin, crafted in Mirecourt in the late 19th century. This well-preserved example features a beautifully flamed two-piece maple back, a signature scroll with elegant black detailing, and a clear, rich, subtle belcanto sound, it is easy to play with direct response.
Product Information
This elegant violin by Charles Drouin is a fine example of early late 19th to early 20th century Mirecourt craftsmanship. Known for his refined artistry and attention to detail, Drouin produced instruments with both aesthetic beauty and tonal depth.
The violin features a stunning two-piece maple back with broad, well-matched flames, enhancing both its visual appeal and resonance. The ribs and scroll are crafted from similarly flamed maple, complementing the instrument’s overall elegance. The scroll itself is particularly distinctive, displaying the maker’s signature black soot detailing along the edges—a characteristic feature of Drouin’s work that adds to its charm.
The top is made of high-quality spruce, exhibiting a well-balanced grain that supports a warm, nuanced tone. The varnish is a rich golden-amber, subtly shaded to highlight the natural beauty of the wood. While there are small, age-appropriate marks on the front, these are purely cosmetic and do not affect the structure or performance of the violin. Importantly, the instrument has no historic structural repairs, making it an exceptionally well-preserved example of Drouin’s craftsmanship.
Professionally set up in our workshop, this violin has Larsen Aurora strings and has been adjusted for optimal playability, ensuring a responsive and balanced sound across all registers. It is a wonderful choice for an advanced player seeking a French instrument with both character and pedigree.
Labelled: Lutherie Artistique Charles Drouin Luthier No21 Mirecourt 1892 Marquedeposee
"Marque déposée" is a French phrase that translates to "trademark" or "registered brand" in English, indicating a brand or name that has been officially registered and protected.
Neck length: 129mm
Bodystop length: 195mm
Working string length: 327mm
Body length (excl. button): 360mm
Maker’s Profile: Charles Drouin
Charles Drouin was a skilled violin maker based in Mirecourt, the historic centre of French luthiery, active in the late 19th to early 20th century. His instruments are known for their refined workmanship, elegant scrolls, and high-quality materials, often bearing stylistic influences from both traditional Mirecourt and classical Italian models. His scroll carving, particularly with black-edged detailing, is a hallmark of his craft, setting his work apart from other makers of his time. Today, Drouin’s violins are sought after for their aesthetic appeal and rich tonal qualities, making them a desirable choice for advancing musicians and collectors alike.
Professional Set-Up
At Bridge Street Violins, we offer a comprehensive professional setup that goes above and beyond the basic factory setup provided by most other shops. Each violin is carefully adjusted by our expert luthier to ensure optimal sound and playability. Depending on the instrument, this setup may include:
Peg adjustment
Fingerboard resurfacing (if necessary)
Top nut adjustment
Sound post and bridge fitting
String height adjustments
Tailored settings for enhanced playing comfort
This service ensures your violin is fully prepared for high-quality performance, tailored to your individual needs. It’s a level of care that sets us apart from other retailers who typically offer a basic factory setup.
How Long Will My Order Take to Arrive?
We’re a small, family-run workshop with a big focus on quality. For all the details on our delivery times, shipping options and how we’re working to reduce our carbon footprint, see our Delivery Information page.
Postage Options
Once your cello has been set up to perfection, we offer the following delivery options:
Free Local Collection: You are welcome to collect your instrument free of charge from our workshop near Lincoln.
UK Delivery: We’ll dispatch your violin anywhere in the UK, with a postage charge applied at checkout.
EU Delivery: We are happy to arrange shipping within the EU, a postage charge will be applied at the checkout.
International Delivery: Worldwide shipping is available with some exceptions. Please get in touch for an individual quote.
Violin Care Tips
To keep your violin in great condition and ensure it maintains its best sound, we recommend the following care tips:
Storage: Always store your violin in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity, as these can affect the wood.
Cleaning: Clean your violin regularly with a soft cloth to remove dust and rosin build-up. Be careful not to touch the varnish with your fingers.
String Care: Check your strings for wear and replace them when necessary. Avoid over-tightening the strings, as this can cause unnecessary stress on the instrument.
Bow Maintenance: Loosen the bow hair after playing and wipe the stick with a dry, soft cloth to remove rosin dust, preventing build-up and protecting the finish.
Customer Support
If you have any questions or need assistance at any point during your purchase or after receiving your violin, our team is here to help. Whether you have inquiries about delivery, setup, or care, feel free to contact us, and we'll be happy to assist.
