Violin by Charles Jean-Baptiste Collin-Mézin père, 1879

Well-Balanced Warmth for Professional Players 

This violin has an overall warm, full sound, with each string offering its own distinct character while blending together into a well-balanced and versatile instrument. The upper strings provide brightness and clarity, while the lower strings add warmth and texture to create rounded depth. The sound quality has a natural, light woodgrain-like texture that makes it feel like the violin is truly alive and singing.

It projects with solid power, the E string standing out for its silvery brilliance. The violin’s resonance adds richness and dimension, giving the sound a deeper, more expressive character. Ideal for orchestral or ensemble playing, this violin offers both balance and individuality. It is currently strung with Dynamo Strings.

Charles Jean-Baptiste Collin-Mézin (1841–1923) was a prominent French violin and bow maker from Mirecourt, son of Claude Nicolas Collin. He trained under N. F. Vuillaume in Brussels and established a Paris workshop in 1867 on rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, later relocating within the same street.

Officier de l’Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1884. His instruments, often internally stamped “Collin-Mezin,” were played by musicians such as Joseph Joachim. He also trained his son, Charles Collin-Mézin fils, and made bows.