Nicolas Masson

History

Nicolas Masson (1863-) was born in 1863 in Thons, Vosges, France. He was the brother and associate of Antoine Masson, and both were self-taught luthiers. According to John Dilworth, the brothers founded a business at 44 rue de Ramey, Paris, in 1899. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff specifies that they went public with their workshop on July 1, 1899, after twelve years of scientific study and ten years of continuous experiments. They moved their workshop to 112 rue Ordener in 1902, and finally settled at 16 rue des Cloys in 1912.

Craft

• Workmanship: The Masson brothers produced instruments with fine workmanship, often based on Amati, Stradivari, and Stainer models.
• Personal Model: They also created a well-regulated personal model, which they developed "under consideration of physical and acoustic laws and observing the rules established by the Cremonese masters." They attributed this model with a more elegant form and easier playability, believing it better met modern requirements for tonal range.
• Varnish: They prepared their own good golden-red varnish, treating its production as a secret.
• Restoration: They were notable as repairers and restorers of all antique instruments.

Influence

• Training: Nicolas Masson and his brother Antoine were self-taught luthiers.
• Methodology: Their instrument making approach was guided by "physical and acoustic laws" and "rules established by the Cremonese masters."

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: The Masson brothers' workshop was initially located at 44 rue de Ramey, Paris, from 1899. They subsequently moved to 112 rue Ordener in 1902, and then to 16 rue des Cloys in 1912.
• Labels: Instruments bear inscriptions such as "S A SS. A E N Nicolaus et A. Masson fr. lot / fecerunt app. q. 'l'Intelligence' / Anno D.N.J.C. / 1900. / Paris 44 Rue Ramey 44."

Summary

Nicolas Masson (1863-) was a self-taught French luthier who, alongside his brother Antoine Masson, established a prominent workshop in Paris in 1899. They were recognized for their fine craftsmanship, producing instruments modeled after Amati, Stradivari, and Stainer, as well as their own unique personal model developed through extensive scientific study and adherence to Cremonese principles. The Masson brothers were also highly regarded for their expertise in the repair and restoration of antique instruments.