1920 J. Lavest Lutherie Artistique Violin – No. 330 – Includes American Case – Used Very Good
Mirecourt, in the Vosges mountains of northeastern France, was for centuries the undisputed center of French violin making — a town so thoroughly devoted to the craft that by the early twentieth century it was producing tens of thousands of instruments annually from a dense network of workshops, ateliers, and independent makers operating under a guild tradition that dated to 1732. The standards set and maintained in Mirecourt placed French instruments in a category of their own during this period, and the instruments that emerged from its workshops in the early decades of the twentieth century remain among the most musically capable and historically significant trade violins ever produced. J. Lavest operated out of Montluçon as a dealer and workshop organizer rather than a bench maker himself, with his instruments produced primarily by journeymen in the Dieudonné workshop — one of the respected Mirecourt ateliers of the period — and finished to his specifications. The Lutherie Artistique designation signals a higher grade of workmanship within the Lavest range, and this example bears that out. The one-piece maple back is a hallmark of quality selection — two-piece backs are more common on trade instruments of this era, and a fine one-piece back indicates both careful sourcing and a maker confident enough in the wood to let it stand on its own. The spruce top, maple ribs and scroll, and ebony fingerboard follow classical French construction throughout.
This violin has a genuinely impressive voice — full across a wide dynamic range, with a bold but not harsh treble and a very warm, rich midrange that gives it real musical depth and versatility. The neck has a lovely satin feel under the hand and is straight and comfortable. The fingerboard plane is nice and true, though it is on the thinner side and could benefit from replacement down the road if it ever requires further planing — worth noting for a buyer who intends to play this instrument seriously over the long term. Action measures 1.5mm on the E string and 3.25mm on the G string.
The finish shows the fine period crazing typical of original varnish on an instrument of this age. There is a small, cleanly repaired crack at one f-hole. The edge of the top on the lower bout has been nicked. Not much wear and tear to the body otherwise. This violin sold in 2015 for $4,500 and has been appraised by our local specialty violin shop at up to $6,000 in current market value. We are a guitar shop rather than a specialized string instrument dealer and are pricing it accordingly. No bow is included. We encourage serious buyers to have the instrument evaluated by their own luthier or teacher before purchasing, and we are happy to answer any questions we can.
- Make: J. Lavest
- Label: Lutherie Artistique
- Number: 330
- Year: 1920
- Country of origin: France (Mirecourt)
- Top: Spruce
- Back: One-piece maple
- Sides and scroll: Maple
- Fingerboard: Ebony (thin — plane is good, replacement may be warranted long term)
- Finish: Original varnish with period crazing
- Neck: Straight, satin feel
- Action: 1.5mm E string, 3.25mm G string
- Repairs: Small crack repair at one f-hole, cleanly done
- Condition notes: Period crazing throughout consistent with age and original varnish; nick on edge of top at lower bout; minimal wear and tear otherwise
- Appraisal: Up to $6,000 market value per local specialty violin shop; sold in 2015 for $4,500
- Bow: Not included
- Condition: Used Very Good
- Includes: American case (nice shape)
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value. International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
