Violin by Louis Guersan

Paris, ca. 1740

Five-string violin “Quinton”

 

This instrument has nothing in common with the German-Austria five-string violin (Nr. 37). We are dealing with a completely new invention here, which arose in France around 1710 and fulfilled completely different tasks. The tuning is like a violin below (G-d-a) and like a viol above (a-d-g’), and held between the legs, this instrument allows an noble person to perform the repertoire of the violin with ease. Mme Henriette de France, daughter of Louis XV, was proficient on this and also the pardessus de viole.

Dendrochronology:

bass: 1727-1606

treble: 1713-1598

 

Body length	mm
Upper width	mm
Middle width	mm
Lower width	mm
Rib height	mm
String length	mm