16" Malcolm Collins viola #20, Upper Hutt 1985

This is the twentieth viola made by esteemed Upper Hutt violin maker Malcolm Collins, and therefore a relatively early example – he has now made well over 60 of these marvellous instruments. A viola player himself, Malcolm has always been eager to keep his violas within a manageable size while enhancing depth and richness of tone. To this end, he favours a medium body size, broad bouts and deep ribs. The workmanship of this instrument is exquisite, as ever, and the pale gold varnish enhances the wood without hiding any detail.