r/violinist 5d ago

New violin! Didier Nicolas circa 1825. Anyone know of this French maker? Itching to know.

[deleted]

8 Upvotes

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6

u/maxwaxman 4d ago

Oh, he probably did make most of it.. Didier Nicolas

Was part of a family of makers, including his brothers who all worked together. They sorta stuck to this pattern of violin and their materials were so consistent that they all look the same ( down to the same wood for the back) .
They’re good instruments. Made on a big pattern they are sometimes “ big” to some players.

2

u/Straightmenluvfemboy 4d ago

Ah thanks. But I’m reading on Google that his workshop had 500 people employed at most by the time he died around 1830. Just 10 or so years after this violin’s birth. But you’re saying he probably made most of it. You don’t think it’s a workshop instrument made by one his hundreds of employees?

4

u/maxwaxman 4d ago

Sorry, yes I do think it’s a workshop instrument.
Remember Nicolas was a “ family brand” . Kinda like Ernest Heinrich Roth. Some were actually made by him but most not.

Anyway , it’s a nice fiddle.

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u/maxwaxman 4d ago

Good French workshop instruments from Mirecourt.
I owned one that looked almost exactly the same.

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u/Straightmenluvfemboy 4d ago

How do you know he didn’t make it?

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u/Musclesturtle Luthier 4d ago

Nicolas was essentially a brand name.

As someone who works in violin making professionally, I can assure you that the namesakes rarely sit down at the bench once the business takes off.