Dr. G. Tarle' Experimental Violin (1924)

Dr. G. Tarle' Experimental Violin (1924), made in Paris, maple neck, back and sides, spruce top, ebony fingerboard and tailpiece. Designed with an experimental mechanical sound post system.

Of Dr. G. Tarle', the second edition of the Universal Dictionary of Violin & Bow Makers by William Henley says;

"Born at Maure (Brittany) 1882. Resident at Paris 1920. Made many scientific investigations relating to tone. Brought out a new "System of Regulation" etc., by which he claimed to transform any instrument into one as equal to a Maggini and Guarnerius.

Inventor of a five-stringed viola-violin. Instruments made by Nagedini (well-known maker at Paris), and called "the violin of the future". His "system" which gives extraordinary sonority to the lower strings, makes it possible to change a violin into a good viola, andd so combine two instruments into one. Also claimed that the present viola could be abandoned, because "no viola of 42 cm. body length has the power of the Tarle' five-stringed instrument which is 5 cm. shorter". Such instruments have been titled "La Vigor'ne"j. Also brought out a "Bridge Support" (with some oscillatory affairs connected with it) for increased tonal sonority. Presented a few ideas advocating two sound posts and a rigid metal bass bar."
 
Overall length is 23 5/8 in. (60 cm.), 8 1/4 in. (21 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 12 7/8 in. (327 mm.). Missing nut and one tuning peg and in need of set up. Generally Excellent Condition.

Item # 1109
 
This item has been sold.