Marc Laberte Violin – Mirecourt Vosges circa 1962 – Great Sound! -CURRENTLY OUT ON TRIAL –

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These instruments are very hard to track down, especially in this condition. We have a French violin made in the Marc Laberte Ateliers, Mirecourt. Marc (1880–1963) was trained as a violin maker by his already famous family and by 1911 Laberte played an active role in the company. By 1919 the Laberte firm had grown to 400 craftsmen and enjoyed great success making high quality instruments. By 1942 the ravages of World War II almost destroyed all of France and its people. It also dealt a huge blow to the violin shops in Mirecourt. The Laberte firm had all its tools and machinery stolen which decimated the firm. By late 1944 the company tried to resume its activity, but production never reached the same levels as prior to the war in the eventually difficult economic climate in the post-war years. Our violin was made in this post-war era and is in great condition.

Laberte himself became well-known as an exceptional luthier and he was awarded several honors and medals not only for his consistently good quality instruments but also for his bows. Our violin has the original Marc Laberte label bordered by the red border. A second label states Grand Prix, Brussels 1935 and New York 1939. The violin also carries a third label on the inside back treble side: Copie de Antonius Stradivarius Cremonenifis Faciebat Anno 1721. The instrument is Strad pattern with red/brown spirit varnish on a golden ground. The varnish has some small playing wear areas and some patina. The top plate is medium-width grain spruce; the grain is very consistent and straight and widens towards the flanks. The back is two-piece maple that is highly flamed with matching ribs, neck, and scroll, all cut from the same slab. We have completely gone over the entire violin giving it a new set up.

Corpus 356.0 mm., Major Width 207.0 mm., Minor Width 168.0 mm., Rib Height 30.0 – 31.0 mm.

The violin has resonant powerful sound on the bass side. It is a clean sound and has a little bit of gutsiness. The instrument has sustain and speaks clearly, giving the player strength of tone when you need it and when the music calls for. The treble strings, E and A speak with brilliance and give more than ample power. Yes, the violin does not hold back and leans to the brighter side of the spectrum. This violin is one year older than me and it was much fun to restore and see the violin completed for the showroom. The instrument is in very good condition, with just a few varnish blemishes. It is a lot of fun to play, light in weight, easy to get around. Put this violin on your trial list if you’re looking in the 2-4K range.