Adrian Studer Nelson, New Zealand viola 1999, 15 1/2”

Adrian Studer has been one of our most prolific and influential New Zealand makers, arriving here after training at the Swiss School of Violin Making ins Brienz. His work is meticulous, with great performance qualities informed not only by his qualities informed not only by his training but by a keen interest in tone production honed by association with many of New Zealand’s professional players. This viola, employing his favored Storioni model, has a relatively small body at 15 ½” (396mm) but produces a clear, warm, characterful sound. Its handsomely-flamed maple back is enhanced by a subtlety antiqued oil varnish. Both size and price made this viola a great choice for an advancing student wanting a good instrument that is not physically challenging.