Christian Oliver & Paul Bish Violin- Nancy, France 1928 – SET TO GO OUT ON TRIAL –

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Paris flourished after WWI and so did the musical culture of this city in the 1920’s. This is the decade when a violin firm was founded and our 1928 violin from the Olivier & Bisch workshop was created. The two violin connoisseurs opened the violin shop jointly in 1923 and by 1928, the year this violin was made, the workshop had been officially appointed the Luthiers of the Conservatoire. The partnership worked well for over eleven years as Olivier managed the business so that Bisch could concentrate all his efforts on making the highest quality string instruments which were now expected by their clients. Paul Bisch (1893-1967) was born in Mirecourt, which was the hub of French violin making and got his start in the violin world at a young age. Bisch work at various violins shops, but most importantly, the Caressa & Français shop in Paris allowed him to study and learn fine restoration and witness the finest Italian and Parisian instruments in the world. Bisch apprenticed under some of the most demanding makers in the Mirecourt to Paris swath of violin making real estate. Leon Mougenot was his first master teacher, as well as Thibouville Lamy, and Marius Didier at the Caressa & Français shop. We currently have instruments from all three of these violin making workshops.

Paul Bisch’s fine craftsmanship and wood selection are seen in this one-piece highly flamed maple back violin. The violin has a two-piece top with fine grain at the center seam that broadens towards the flanks. The ribs, neck, and scroll match the degree of curl in the back plate. The oil varnish is light orange/ brown on a golden ground, all hand drawn by brush. The varnish has some natural wear and patina. The violin is in excellent condition as it is close to its 100 year anniversary. It’s an instrument that is a little petite by a few millimeters than its Strad counterpart. Perfect for the player looking for a violin that is just a tad smaller but packs a powerful sound.

Corpus 355.0 mm, Major Width 203.0 mm, Minor Width 162.0 mm, Rib Height 29.0 mm

This violin has a grand and luxurious sound which is the true offering of this excellent French violin. The violin is sweet under the ear, and it has ample power when the maestro calls for it. The bottom end has a mature luster to the sound, magnificent colors and dominant. The treble side also puts out power that is so sweet and brilliant, an awesome compliment to the bottom end. Yes, the sound is indicative of the workmanship: clear, brilliant, and very responsive. The instrument responds almost instantly. The strings jump and a decent bow can make this violin a powerhouse. This violin is looking for professional player’s fingers to make it sing.