Seraphin Bourgeois 1883

Seraphin Bourgeois (1798-1885) born in Chatel-Blanc, France -- established in Geneva in 1823, later in Chalon-Sao, France.
The modelling and outline seem very Italian -- Guarneri like. I could find no substantial information on this individual whatsoever. -- and also because of some striking features: the very pronounced corners, its jaunty 'f' holes, a very broad lower bout and the very chipped, Venetian shade of varnish which is pointed out a few frames below.

The table is made from a mediun to fine grained spruce and the back from a two piece broad flameed maple. The corners and edges are in perfect shape, purfling neatly inlaid and the neck has a proper set for ease of play. The top has a well patched crack in the soundpost area, invisible from the outside

the top treble side of the volute is chipped and the backside appears to have been worked down with a rasp without any attempt at 'finishing'. The eye is fairly delicate in the style of the baroque period and the turns are fairly evenly developed.

Ab. L, someone with the initials MEC once owned this fiddle.
The purfling is neatly laid and the corners are all intact. There is a well repaired patch to the soundpost area of the table which is absolutely invisible to the eye from the exterior.

Note the color of the rib at the center of the bout (ab. left). A mysterious persimmon color peeks out beneath the opaque coating of red/brown varnish -- again (bott. R) around the tail button. The neck to heel connection is very solid, and at the proper angle, allowing a full height bridge and ease of playing.

Seraphin Bourgeous fait a Geneve 1883

MEASURMENTS
upper bout: (166 mm.) --- waist: (110 mm.) --- lower bout: (207 mm.) LoB: (362 mm.) --- rib height: (32 mm.)

SOUND
This violin has a beatiful, penetrating voice full of overtones. It is brilliant on the hight notes, nostalgic on the medium with a slight French nasal tone on the G string. It is brilliant in the high positions. It responds like a whip and offers incomparable sympathy for double stops even into the highest positions. This fiddle is great for the fluid and harmonious double stops required for bluegrass or jazz. This is one of the most responsive and easy to play violins I have ever shouldered. A great sense of sympathy is clearly evident across all strings. A really fine player.

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