A Canadian violin made in 1920 by Collins Langille
This violin was made in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, in 1920 by Collins Langille. Nicely
flamed and matched maple were used in the ribs, back and neck. Spruce used for the belly is
of good quality as well. The majority of the work harkens to that of Northern German
workshops of the late 19th century, however the rather elongated corners of the belly and back
make it unlikely this was simply re-labelled factory work. What is more likely is that Collins
Langille had a German violin or two which he admired, and he made this violin as something
of a copy of that earlier work. The scroll is utterly naive in concept and execution, as the
maker seems not to have had any experience with such carving at all, but still tried. As such I
suspect it is his first, or at least a very early instrument. The voice is clear and open,
quite solid for classical playing
contact me by phone or text message at 604 253 2503 or email gerard@luthier.ca
