Vintage Didier Nicolas L'Aine 4/4 Violin French
A fine French violin by Didier Nicolas L'Aine, crafted in Mirecourt in the early 19th century. This well-preserved example features a beautifully flamed one-piece maple back, a beautiful scroll with a fantastic vintage patina. With a clear, rich, matured belcanto sound, it is easy to play with direct response.
A fine French violin by Didier Nicolas L'Aine, crafted in Mirecourt in the early 19th century. This well-preserved example features a beautifully flamed one-piece maple back, a beautiful scroll with a fantastic vintage patina. With a clear, rich, matured belcanto sound, it is easy to play with direct response.
A fine French violin by Didier Nicolas L'Aine, crafted in Mirecourt in the early 19th century. This well-preserved example features a beautifully flamed one-piece maple back, a beautiful scroll with a fantastic vintage patina. With a clear, rich, matured belcanto sound, it is easy to play with direct response.
Product Information
This elegant violin by Didier Nicolas L'Aine is a fine example of early early 19th century Mirecourt craftsmanship.
The violin features a stunning one-piece maple back with fine, narrow flames, enhancing both its visual appeal and resonance. The ribs and scroll are crafted from a more relaxed flame of maple, complementing the instrument’s overall elegance. The scroll itself is particularly distinctive, very nicely matured with a lovely patina, a stable Hill style neck graft supports the original scroll
The top is made of high-quality spruce, exhibiting an evenly spaced and well-balanced grain that supports a warm, nuanced tone. The varnish is a rich golden-chestnut over a golden yellow ground, shaded to highlight the natural beauty of the aged wood. While there are small, age-appropriate marks, these are purely cosmetic and do not affect the structure or performance of the violin.
Professionally set up in our workshop, this violin has Pirastro Obligato 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.
Stamped: triangular brand internally
A LA VILLE DE CREMONNE
DN
D.NICOLAS AINE
Also signed in ink internally,
Neck length: 131mm
Bodystop length: 196mm
Working string length: 328mm
Body length (excl. button): 364mm
Maker’s Profile
Didier Nicolas l’aîné (1757–1833) was a distinguished violin maker based in Mirecourt, France, and one of the earliest pioneers of workshop-based production. His instruments are admired for their refined craftsmanship, Stradivari-inspired designs, and rich, carrying tone. Nicolas established a large atelier employing hundreds of craftsmen, producing violins that combined consistent quality with broad accessibility. Many of his instruments bear the distinctive triangular brand “A la ville de Cremone.” Today, violins by Didier Nicolas l’aîné are valued by musicians and collectors alike for their powerful sound, elegant appearance, and historical significance within the French school of violin making.
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 instrument 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.
