Chipot-Vuillaume violin, Mirecourt, France

Joseph Charles Chipot was a fine Mirecourt luthier working in the Collin-Mézin workshop before establishing his own business. Eager to promote his instruments, he made use of his wife’s maiden name, Vuillaume, even through her father was a Parisian shoemaker and no relation to the famous violin maker Jean-Baptiste Viuillaume. This excellent example, from the late 19th century, reminds us strongly of Collin-Mézin’s work both in appearance and tome, which is broad, warm and clear. This violin responds well to strong bow pressure and will suit a player who likes a powerful performance style.