Concert Violaline (Violin Mandolin) JTL 1900's

Very beautiful and rare example of concert violaline by Jérôme Thibouville Lamy, dated from the beginning of the 20th century (1901-1912).

Patented at the very beginning of the century, the Violaline is a hybrid instrument between the violin and the mandolin. Although the instrument has a shape and construction more reminiscent of the violin, the mechanical head, the 4 choirs and the flat radius of the fingerboard indicate that it is played like a mandolin, that is to say say to the plectrum.

Here is the JTL catalog page dating from 1901 when the patent would have been filed.

(Source: www.luthiers-mirecourt.com)

The violaline was offered at least until 1912 when it still appears in the JTL catalog.

(Source: www.luthiers-mirecourt.com)

So here is a very beautiful model of violaline dating from the beginning of the 20th century in a sumptuous curly maple and in a superb state of conservation and play.

Technical characteristics :

• Top: Spruce
• Back: Curly maple
• Sides: Curly maple 
• Sleeve : Curly maple
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Width at nut: 27 mm
• Radius: Flat
• Frets: 20 frets
• Scale: 330 mm
• Profile: D
• Country of manufacture: France
• Year: 1900's
• Finish: Natural, violin varnish
• Decorations: Violin-type bindings at the edge of the table / Rosette soundholes + Stylized “f” soundholes / Circular white mother-of-pearl touch marks
• Details: Excellent state of conservation / Some very slight traces of use, normal given its age

Like all our instruments, this mandolin has been completely restored and tuned.

Tuned with a set of light strings from the Fisoma brand, Supersolo model, this mandolin has a pleasant and easy playing feel.

With a delicate sound, rich in harmonics, balanced, with a subtle and soft projection, this mandolin will suit collectors as well as mandolinists, musicians and enthusiasts.