Marc Laberte

Marc Laberte was born in Mirecourt in 1880. He was trained by his father, Pierre Alexis Auguste Laberte, as a luthier as well as a bow maker. By the age of 21, he was already involved in his father’s firm, Laberte-Humbert Frères. In 1915, Marc joined maker Fourier Magnié to establish a new firm, “Laberte-Humbert Frères, Fourier Magnié Réunis” or Laberte and Magnié. In response to economic pressures of the early 20th century, the firm attemted to diversify their production. In 1931, Laberte received an award for a phonograph he had produced. These efforts were successful at setting the workshop apart during a period of stiff competition. Despite this, the Laberte Workshop suffered immensely during WWII, when their stock and tools were raided and production halted. They were able to resume activity after the war, but a few years later production ended indefinitely.

Laberte himself became well known as an exceptional luthier, and he was awarded several Grand Prix medals. His instruments and bows are consistently good quality.