Léon Bernardel Violin, 1923

Léon Bernardel, son of Ernest Bernadel, worked in the famous workshop of Gand & Bernadel frères for nearly thirty years before opening his own workshop after his father’s death, where he made fine violins. He had made a great name for himself, especially as an appointed violin maker for French conservatories and orchestras, which is justifiably reflected in his work.

Radiant, singing and at times sweet is the tone, which always retains its warmth. The response is so clear and precise across all registers that sometimes you don’t quite know in which register on which string you are playing. It is a master instrument whose use is ideally suited for ensemble and solo playing and brings back a bit of the fresh spirit of the 1920s.

Although the typical signs of use are present, the violin is in excellent condition. The golden-yellow-orange oil varnish has lost none of its soft radiance, and the sound and patina complement the image of a mature instrument in its prime – just as if it were not yet that old and curious to be played again frequently.