The instruments from the studios of Schuster & Co. in Markneukirchen are to this day highly respected for their fine choice of materials (always with well-figured maple backs), excellent workmanship and good tone. The firm peaked in the 1920s and 1930s and in many ways is the German equivalent of the firm of Jérôme Thibouville-Lamy (JTL) in France, but in my view they were marginally better.

This is an exceptionally small viola - its back length is 38.7 cm. It has been played a lot and for good reason - it is comfortable and well-toned. It has been in professional use until recently.

If you are after a small viola along with mature tone and you don't care too much about the appearances from restorations, this is an ideal instrument for an upgrade to advanced playing, or for someone who switches a lot between violin and viola.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 38.7 cm

Condition :

Although having been subjected to extensive restoration in its past, it can be said that this viola is structurally secure with no apparent hidden risk. The repairs carried out were the reinforcement of the pegbox flanks by means of three-layered plywood; the correction of the neck elevation by fitting a wedge under the fingerboard and the closing of the centre seam in the back, which evidently at some stage became loose. The seam appears to be secure, but the work could have been tidier in lining up the edged of the two halves. The varnish is worn in places due to much use, but this could easily be retouced by a qualified luthier. Also, other than two repaired wing cracks in the Fs, the viola is free from body cracks.

Provenance :
	Withheld

Price :

On request