Violin by Louis Guersan

Paris, ca. 1740

Five-string violin “Quinton”

Catalog 38.  Violin with five strings: “Quinton” – Louis Guersan – Paris, um 1740

 

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