This viola is by all standards a very small instrument and would ideally be suited for a small person, or someone who switches regularly between violin and viola. It bears the standard Zimmermann label and can be said to conform to the very high standards maintained by that studio.

Julius Heinrich Zimmermann (1851-1923) began a music publishing firm in St. Petersburg (1876) and later in various major centres in Europe. He then established a large violin making workshop in 1895, employing the finest workmen from Saxony. He later moved to Markneukirchen and transferred the business there in 1908.

The Zimmermann workshop maintained very high standards and their instruments are respected in the violin world. Workmanship was always refined and correct with attention to detail. Choice of materials was always good and attractive.

In this instrument the two-piece back, ribs, neck and scroll are of nicely figured maple with a straight even narrow to medium curl. The top is of fine tone spruce with narrow grain at the centre line widening to the flanks. Purfling and cornerwork is tidy and the scroll is nicely balanced. This viola is well-toned and responsive and a pleasure to play.

Dimensions :
	Length of back: 38.8 cm

Condition :

The only repair to an otherwise very healthy instrument is to a crack in the top running parallel to the bassbar. This is not a bassbar crack but it's some distance away from the bassbar. It has been superbly repaired and cleated on the inside and is perfectly stable. The spirit- based varnish has been somewhat compromised, probably through some careless handling but this is purely superficial and poses no threat to the structural integrity of the viola. This viola boasts new pegs, a new tailpiece and chin rest, all in rose wood as well as a new bridge and soundpost and a fresh set of Dominant strings.

Provenance :
	Withheld

Price :

On request