{"title":"8th Contemporary American Makers Exhibition - Viola","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-kerning: none;\"\u003eMetzler Violin Shop is proud to present the 8th Contemporary American Makers Exhibition and Sale, 2026.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 17px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-kerning: none;\"\u003eThe purpose of these events is to present both established and emerging makers, and to highlight the breadth of instrument and bow craftsmanship found throughout the Americas.  This exhibition will include makers from Canada, Mexico, and the United States.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"douglas-c-cox-15-3-4-viola-brattleboro-vermont-201","title":"Douglas Cox 15 5\/8\" viola, Brattleboro, Vermont, 2016, #912 | Metzler Violins","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe viola bears the label \"Douglas C. Cox, Brattleboro, Vermont, 2016, #912\" and is branded and initialed inside. It is made of well aged North American grown wood. The back is cut on the quarter from two pieces of maple with handsome medium width flames descending very slightly from center joint. The neck and ribs are of maple of narrower flame than that of the back. The table is of two pieces of Engelmann spruce from British Columbia of very narrow growth.There is a filled sap pocket on the bass side of the tailpiece. The varnish is of an orange-brown color and is shaded and imitated. The fittings are of boxwood with lighter trim. The principal dimensions are:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLength: 398mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUpper Bout: 188mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMiddle Bout: 135mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLower Bout: 244mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRib Height: 36-38mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eString Length: 358mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/c-Fzkf1T_V4\" width=\"560\" height=\"314\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aICeN-eE2fU\" width=\"560\" height=\"314\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0uv9tYoHjwQ?si=YUu-UK5A7qk5VHfT\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"American","offers":[{"title":"Default","offer_id":50818594570513,"sku":"VA1575-C109-14","price":28000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0908\/1149\/8769\/files\/metzler-viola-douglas-cox-va1575-c109-14-front.jpg?v=1734533528"},{"product_id":"jeffrey-haas-16-1-4-viola-zukerman-albany-new-york-2024-metzler-violins","title":"Jeffrey Haas 16 1\/4\" viola, \"Zukerman\", Albany, New York, 2024 | Metzler Violins","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Maker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u2028Jeffrey Haas is a contemporary luthier born and based in Albany, New York. A former research and design engineer for over three decades, Haas began as an apprentice with the late Geoffrey Ovington and also Michael Darnton. Haas continually participates in the Violin Society of America’s Violinmaking Workshops in Oberlin. Haas makes a particular project of locating the finest aged European tonewood and finishes his instruments with traditional varnish. In addition to crafting instruments, Haas is an active fiddle player in the Siena College Orchestra, the Capital District Megaband, and regional Celtic groups.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"American","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53054934974737,"sku":"VA1625-H154-4","price":9500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0908\/1149\/8769\/files\/AGZFront1.jpg?v=1769131718"},{"product_id":"copy-of-antonio-rizzo-16-5-viola-torrance-california-2024-age-98","title":"Antonio Rizzo 16.5\" viola, Torrance, California, 2025, age 98","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003efocused, resonant, even\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Instrument\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis viola has a focused sound that opens with each note, giving the tone an excellent quality, even across all four strings. The gold varnish is over a gold ground, giving this instrument a striking color. It's narrow flames fall slightly from the center joint of the two-piece maple back with slightly plainer wood on the ribs, neck, and scroll.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInterior label reads: “Antonio Rizzo da Torrance \/ fece nell anno 2025 \/ 173 di anni 98\" with the luthier's signature\u003cbr\u003eLength: 416 mm\u003cbr\u003eUpper Bouts: 197 mm\u003cbr\u003eMiddle: 137 mm\u003cbr\u003eLower Bouts: 245 mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Maker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaestro Antonio Rizzo \u003c\/strong\u003e(1927- ) is a contemporary violinmaker, engineer, and inventor. He has close to four decades of experience making fine quality instruments using the Italian influence on style, character and tone quality. Maestro Rizzo was tutored by several master-makers in Italy and in the United States, acquiring the traditional techniques of violin making of the Italian schools. He has received over 30 premier awards for his workmanship and tone quality of his instruments. At age 99, he is one of the oldest active violinmakers in the United States, continuing making fine instruments, sounding better than ever. He recently won 1st Place Gold for Viola Tone and 2nd Place Silver for Violin Tone from the VMAAI Competition Mr. Rizzo was a former President of the Southern California Association of Violin Makers. He has conducted many presentations and seminars on violin making, emphasizing construction techniques, varnish making, setup and adjustments for sound quality. He is also a member of the Violin Society of America, and several other violin makers associations. He has made 176 instruments, which include 142 violins, 13 violas and 21 cellos.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"American","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53099448172817,"sku":"VA165-R1098-6","price":19000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0908\/1149\/8769\/files\/Va173a.jpg?v=1770238669"},{"product_id":"a-tzankow-16-1-8-viola-2025-lakewood-colorado-usa-metzler-violins","title":"Alexander Tzankow 16 1\/8\" viola, 2025, Lakewood, Colorado, USA | Metzler Violins","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003epowerful, rich, full\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Instrument\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eThis viola has a lovely projection and is a delight to play. It's a wonderful selection for anyone seeking out a professional viola of mid-size.\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eThe straight grain two-piece back in a relatively plain figure. The dark auburn varnish brings out slightly more pronounced flames running along the ribs, neck, and scroll.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e This instrument has been lovingly antiqued by its maker, revealing a golden ground.\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eInterior label reads: “Alexander Tzankow \/ Geigen- und Lautenmacher in \/ Lakewood Anno 2025” with the maker’s signature.\u003cbr\u003eLength: 411 mm\u003cbr\u003eUpper Bouts: 196 mm\u003cbr\u003eMiddle: 143 mm\u003cbr\u003eLower Bouts:\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e248 mm\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbout the Maker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlexander Tzankow\u003c\/strong\u003e (1970- ) is a contemporary German luthier who grew up near Saarbrücken along the border of France. Tzankow had a musical family and began studying violin at six years of age then focused on the viola as a teenager. While at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz in Cologne studying viola, Tzankow found an interest in violin making and earned his diploma at the distinguished Staatliche Berufsfachschule für Musikinstrumentenbau in Mittenwald in 1996. Tzankow proceeded to work in several violin ateliers of note, including Michael Becker in Chicago, Stam \u0026amp; zn in Utrecht, and M\u0026amp;R Weisshaar \u0026amp; Son in Los Angeles. He now runs his own workshop outside of Denver, Colorado.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"American","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53099638030609,"sku":"VA16-T50-7","price":20000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0908\/1149\/8769\/files\/IMG_7240.jpg?v=1772133340"},{"product_id":"william-atwood-16-1-16-viola-opus-79-2025-bonny-doon-california-metzler-violins","title":"William Atwood 16 1\/16\" viola, Opus 79, 2025, Bonny Doon, California | Metzler Violins","description":"\u003cp\u003eWilliam Atwood was inspired to take up violin making after hearing a lecture by a fellow physicist in 1978.  Atwood had recently completed his Ph.D. in experimental high-energy particle physics and was working at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center.  The lecture by Jack Fry on the physics of the violin inspired Atwood to bring together several lifelong passions: he had played the violin since the age of 8; he had acquired fine wood working skills from his father, a cabinet maker specializing French Provincial furniture; and now, as a full-fledged physicist, he was well equipped to understand the underlying physics of string instruments.  In 1983, upon returning from a post-doc in Europe with a trove of aged wood appropriate for instrument making, Atwood made his first violin.   Through the 1980’s and into the 1990’s nearly a dozen more instruments followed.  In 1996 Atwood apprenticed with Tom Croen: Tom would teach Bill making in the classical style while Bill would share insights into the physics behind violin acoustics.  Atwood retired from Stanford in 1999 and took up violin making full time for several years.  However, the lure of physics eventually brought him back to teaching and research at the University of California at Santa Cruz.   Atwood retired from this position in 2016 and is again making instruments.   To date Atwood has made close to 70 violins and violas combined.  Recently Atwood started making 5-strings based on a small viola pattern with the first three now in the hands of professional musicians.  Atwood’s client base is comprised of amateurs and professionals, classical musicians as well as heavy metal band players, advanced students and devoted chamber music players.   \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAtwood’s Violins is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains just north of the UCSC.  His much-prized wood stash from Europe and the US includes Bavarian split spruce, Swiss spruce, Baltic maple, and Pacific Northwest quilted maple. The wood is now well over thirty years old since cutting and much of it is close to 100 years old.   Atwood’s instruments are completely handmade from purfling to varnish.    \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWebsite: AtwoodsViolins.com;  Instagram: atwoods_violins. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"American","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53122480341265,"sku":"VA16-A60-7","price":12000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0908\/1149\/8769\/files\/IMG_6183.heic?v=1770924982"},{"product_id":"stanley-kiernoziak-15-3-4-viola-one-piece-back-chicago-il-2025-metzler-violins","title":"Stanley Kiernoziak 15 3\/4\" viola, one-piece back, Chicago, IL, 2025 | Metzler Violins","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eStanley Kiernoziak was born in Poland. He graduated from the Polish Violin Making School in Nowy Targ, Poland. He has been a member of the Polish Union of Artist Violin Makers since 1985. In 1989 he moved to Chicago to work at William Harris Lee \u0026amp; Co. in close association with renowned violin maker William Whedbee and Tetsuo Matsuda. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMr. Kiernoziak's instruments are characterized by a warm tonal quality with both focus and complexity and characteristically strong projection. He has been the recipient of many awards in the Violin Society of America International competitions including: 1 Silver medal for tone for cello and 9 certificates for tone in viola, cello, violin and quartet category. He also was awarded with 10 gold medals and 2 silver medals (violin, viola) in VMAAI competitions including price: Grand Champion contest winner in 2015. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWith over 40 years of violin making experience today he is one of the most prolific contemporary makers of the violas. His instruments have been played in ensembles around the world including: The New York Philharmonic, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Minnesota Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Metropolitan Opera, The Royal Danish Opera, The United States Army Band, The Juilliard String Quartet and the Terra String Quartet to name a few. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn June 2022 Stanley won the first-place award for tone at the Exhibition of Modern Violas and Bows at the American Viola Society Festival and 47th International Viola Congress. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWhen he is away from his workbench he likes to travel and explore the world, play sports or play with his wonderful grandchildren. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"American","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53142543171857,"sku":"VA1575-K122-4","price":19000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0908\/1149\/8769\/files\/att.X_xaU2DpQteAb3W3RpeA7gc4UIcY5Olk2_AC-Q9dEAU.jpg?v=1772139076"},{"product_id":"ute-zahn-15-5-da-salo-model-viola-2023-minneapolis-mn-usa-metzler-violins","title":"Ute Zahn 15.5\" \"da Salo\" model viola, 2023, Minneapolis, MN, USA | Metzler Violins","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBorn into a musical family in Germany, I trained at the Newark School of Violin Making in Newark-on-Trent, UK.  My work as a violin maker and restorer, freelance cellist, and violin making teacher has taken me to England, Hong Kong, Canada, the United States and several Caribbean countries. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  Violin making is endlessly fascinating, be it design, history, acoustics, varnish, or woodwork.  As I believe that method determines outcome, I attempt to closely follow historical methods of making, using traditional tools.  In the pursuit of deepening my skills, I regularly attend the Oberlin Violin Makers’ workshop and Violin Society of America’s conventions, and many seminars hosted by the VSA as well as the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers, of which I am a member. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  Social engagement is important to me. This inspired me to start the US chapter of “Luthiers sans Frontières” (Luthiers Without Borders), a non-profit supporting cultural life in under-served communities.  We travel to teach local musicians the basics of instrument maintenance and repair, with the aid of donated instruments, tools and materials.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  For many years, I organized monthly (now annual) meetings of our many Minnesota violin and bow makers, and in 2019 co-hosted an exhibition of Minnesota makers’ work.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e  I currently divide my time between making and restoring instruments, freelancing with several area ensembles, and serving as president of Luthiers sans Frontières.  When not embroiled in the wonderful world of music and instruments, I might be digging in my garden, on my yoga mat, with my nose in a book, baking something delicious, hiking, paddling or skating Minnesota waterways, or studying and building paper structures.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"American","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53155684974865,"sku":"VA155-Z23-7","price":16500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0908\/1149\/8769\/files\/daS2306front.jpg?v=1771977625"},{"product_id":"kevin-crow-16-1-2-viola-28-maggie-wisconsin-2024-metzler-violins","title":"Kevin Crow 16 1\/2\" viola, #28, \"Maggie\", Wisconsin, 2024 | Metzler Violins","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e[further details about this instrument are forthcoming]\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKevin Crow #28 Maggini Model Viola \"Maggie\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLength: 16 1\/4\"  415 mm\u003cbr\u003eUpper Bout: 190 mm\u003cbr\u003eMiddle Bout: 131 mm\u003cbr\u003eLower Bout 241 mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Maker\u2028\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKevin Crow is a contemporary luthier based in Madison, Wisconsin. After a career in education, Crow attended the Chicago School of Violin Making where he studied the works of the Cremoni masters: Stradivari, Guarneri, Amati, and Guadagnini. Crow later apprenticed under the luthier Carl F. Becker in Chicago before opening his own shop in Wisconsin.\u2028\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.kevincrowviolins.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.kevincrowviolins.com\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"American","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53175198810385,"sku":"VA165-C145-3","price":15000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0908\/1149\/8769\/files\/28maggiefrontcopy2_4213a828-c387-4c97-953a-8cb0226b952d.jpg?v=1772145338"},{"product_id":"marinos-glitsos-16-3-4-viola-saint-paul-mn-2026-metzler-violins","title":"Marinos Glitsos 16 3\/4\" viola, Saint Paul, MN, 2026 | Metzler Violins","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI am a professionally trained luthier residing in Saint Paul, Minnesota.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eMy father was a Greek immigrant and a master carpenter. My mother, while not a\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003emusician herself, encouraged my siblings and me to study classical music from a\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003every young age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI studied the cello for many years, and went on to complete a degree in music\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePerformance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAfter earning my undergraduate degree I was fortunate to apprentice with\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003einternationally renowned lute maker Daniel Larsen. It was here that I was first\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eintroduced to violin making and developed the foundation of my tool skills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAfter serving a two year apprenticeship in his shop I was accepted to the\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eprestigious Violin Making School of America where I studied for the next three\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eyears under award winning violin maker Sanghoon Lee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eUpon graduating from violin making school I was invited to spend the next two\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eyears working alongside luthier John Waddle where I worked directly on some of\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ethe finest examples of both historically significant and contemporary instruments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eDuring this time I was involved in the ongoing CT research done by radiologist Dr.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSteve Sirr who pioneered the use of CT scanning in the study of fine violins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI next joined my friend and colleague Peter Bingen at the Paul A. Schmitt Violin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eShop where I provided expert setup and tonal adjustments for more than five years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI have since dedicated my energy solely to the construction of new violins, violas, and\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ecellos which I create in my Saint Paul workshop under the watchful eye of my shop\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003edog, Pam.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"American","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53175296819473,"sku":"VA1675-G129-8","price":18000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0908\/1149\/8769\/files\/GlitsosViolarResized.jpg?v=1772221919"},{"product_id":"copy-of-okkyum-kim-violin-irvine-california-2023-metzler-violins","title":"Okkyum Kim 16 1\/4\" viola, Irvine, California, 2025 | Metzler Violins","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e[further details about this instrument are forthcoming]\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbout the Maker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOkkyum Kim\u003c\/strong\u003e (1974- ) is a contemporary luthier who was born in South Korea and is based in Irvine, California. Kim first began to apprentice under Mario Scida in Melbourne, Australia in 2000 and then returned to South Korea to work under Il Hun Jung in the city of Kwangju. Kim then attended teh Stradivari International Violin Making School in Cremona, Italy, where he studied under Alessandro Voltini. Upon graduation, Kim joined the distinguished workshop of Carlson \u0026amp; Neumann in Cremona and focused on restoration. He soon began to receive accolades from the Violin Society of America, the International Violin Making Competition and the Triennale International Competition. In 2011, Kim founded his own workshop in Irvine, where he has continued to craft his stringed instruments.\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.okkyumviolin.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.okkyumviolin.com\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"American","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53180935799057,"sku":"VA1625-K109-6","price":28000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0908\/1149\/8769\/files\/Metzler-Viola-Okkyum-Kim-VA1625-K109-6-Front.jpg?v=1772575188"},{"product_id":"copy-of-shahram-saeid-rezvani-strad-violin-695-california-2021-metzler-violins","title":"Shahram \u0026 Saeid Rezvani \"Guarneri\" 15 1\/2\" viola, #47, California, 2017 | Metzler Violins","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e[further details about this instrument are forthcoming]\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLength: 395 mm\u003cbr\u003eString length: 363 mm\u003cbr\u003eUpper bout: 187 mm\u003cbr\u003eC bout: 128 mm\u003cbr\u003eLower bouts: 233 mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Makers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShahram\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eSaeid Rezvani\u003c\/strong\u003e are contemporary luthiers who were born and raised in Tehran, Iran and are based outside of Los Angeles, California. Shahram and Saeid initially earned degrees in mathematics and graphic arts, respectively, before pursuing violin making in earnest. In 1990, Shahram apprenticed under Massoud Pournadji, where Saeid soon joined him. The brothers continued their study through mentorship under Ibrahim Ghambari Mehr and Johann Rombach in Vienna, Austria, returning to Iran to continue their craft. In the years that followed, the Rezvani brothers established themselves as premier luthiers in Iran. In 2010, twenty years after beginning their venture as stringed instrument makers, Shahram and Saeid immigrated to the United States where they established their full-service shop in Westlake Village outside of Los Angeles. The Rezvani brothers’ maple is from the Kelardasht Valley in the Alborz Mountains near the Caspian coast in northern Iran, and is aged for 15-20 years. This particular wood allows for a lighter instrument without sacrificing quality of sound. Together, the Rezvani brothers have built over 600 violins, violas, and cellos played by professional soloists as well as symphony and philharmonic orchestral musicians all over the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/rezvaniviolin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/rezvaniviolin.com\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"American","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53181047472401,"sku":"VA155-R96-27","price":18000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0908\/1149\/8769\/files\/IMG_8188.jpg?v=1772226396"},{"product_id":"mietek-rusnak-15-1-2-viola-2023-chicago-metzler-violins","title":"Mietek Rusnak 15 1\/2\" viola, 2023, Chicago | Metzler Violins","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\" id=\"docs-internal-guid-0ace964a-7fff-023d-dc3e-f2fe65bfe76f\"\u003eAfter arriving in Chicago in the 1980s, Mietek Rusnak became an immediate mainstay in the William Harris Lee workshop. Rusnak’s instruments feature a beautiful varnish with a warm, soloistic tone and ample projection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"American","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53192699937041,"sku":"VA155-L07-01","price":14500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0908\/1149\/8769\/files\/Metzler-Viola-Mietek-Rusnak-VA155-L07-01-Front.jpg?v=1772734258"},{"product_id":"stella-eunbyul-yoo-16-3-8-viola-2022-minneapolis-metzler-violins","title":"Stella Eunbyul Yoo 16 3\/8\" viola, 2022, Minneapolis | Metzler Violins","description":"\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003eStella Eunbyul Yoo is a violin maker based in the Bay area, California. She is originally from Seoul, South Korea and began to study the violin at the age of 8. She has always been passionate about string instruments and wanted to pursue a profession that would allow her to play and work with violins. She was inspired to move to Italy in 2011 and attend the Cremona Violin Making School to learn the history and traditions from some of the best luthiers in the world. In 2015 after the Cremona School, she was fortunate to be selected as the apprentice for Luca Primon, who became her mentor for several years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003eDuring this time, she won multiple awards in cello and viola making.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003eIn 2018, Stella moved to the United States to take on a new challenge and gain a diverse experience.She worked at a violin shop in Minneapolis while developing her own instruments, and in November 2022, she received the Certificate of Artisanship for her viola at the 24th International Competition of the Violin Society of America. Since 2023, after moving to the Bay Area, she has been working independently and focusing on making instruments in her home workshop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003eThe viola presented in this exhibition is the same instrument that earned her the Certificate of Artisanship at the VSA competition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"American","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53203836076305,"sku":"VA1625-Y11-4","price":15000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0908\/1149\/8769\/files\/DSC_2610_Original.jpg?v=1772661872"},{"product_id":"jamie-gabriel-gonzalez-15-1-2-viola-boston-2026-metzler-violins","title":"Jaime Gabriel González 15 1\/2\" viola, Boston, 2026 | Metzler Violins","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: inherit;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; display: inline !important; float: none;\"\u003eThe measurements of the viola are as follows:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; display: inline !important; float: none;\"\u003eLength: 393mm (15 1\/2\")\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; display: inline !important; float: none;\"\u003eUpper bouts: 187mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; display: inline !important; float: none;\"\u003eC’ bouts: 122mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; display: inline !important; float: none;\"\u003eLower bouts: 230mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJaime Gabriel González's journey as a luthier is a testament to passion and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Graduating with honors from the Escuela de Laudería in Querétaro, Mexico, Jaime swiftly opened his own workshop in Guadalajara, where he began to truly hone his unique craft. A pivotal moment came in 2017 when he delved into an \"Antique Varnish and Retouch\" class with master luthier Pablo Alfaro. This experience sparked a new level of ambition, leading him to prestigious events across the United States, often sponsored by esteemed organizations like the Violin Society of America and Oberlin Restoration Workshops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWitnessing the pinnacle of violin making firsthand ignited a profound desire in Jaime to really push his own artistry. This drive ultimately led him to the United States, where he relocated in 2020, starting his U.S. journey by working at a rental shop in Houston. This hands on experience in a busy environment provided a unique foundation before he joined the distinguished workshop at Carriage House Violins in 2022, immersing himself in instrument restoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eJaime's exceptional talent has been consistently recognized on the competition stage. In 2023, he swept the Violin Makers Association of Arizona International Competition, earning gold medals for both viola and violin workmanship and the coveted Bill Barnitz Award. His accolades also include a gold medal for violin workmanship at the 2019 Southern Violin Association Competition, an achievement that led to an invitation to judge the 2021 event. Adding to his impressive record, 2025 saw him awarded gold medals for both violin and viola workmanship, a Certificate for Tone for his violin, and a Silver Medal for viola tone. Notably, he also achieved Hors Concours at the 2025 Southern Violin Association (SVA) Competition, a recognition that has led to an invitation to judge the prestigious 2027 biennial competition. Jaime also collaborated with Pablo Alfaro on a quartet entered into the 2022 Violin Society of America competition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"American","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53203860455697,"sku":"VA1625-G150-1","price":15000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0908\/1149\/8769\/files\/DSC_9150.jpg?v=1772662995"},{"product_id":"dirk-henry-16-1-2-viola-2024-omaha-ne-metzler-violins","title":"Dirk Henry 16 1\/2\" viola, 2024, Omaha, NE | Metzler Violins","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1rem; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 1px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(42, 42, 42);\"\u003eDirk Henry began his violin making career in 2010 in Omaha, Nebraska. He apprenticed with Violin Making School of America graduate, Cesario Amesquita, as well as distinguished violin and viola maker, Mark Womack. Dirk has served as a workshop manager, dividing his time between repairing instruments and building from scratch. In March 2019, Dirk joined his friend and fellow luthier, Alex Reza, at Violins of Omaha, in the Hotshops Art Center.  There, surrounded by the inspiration and creativity of local artists, he continues making new instruments as well as restoring old instruments.  Dirk is committed to continuing to refine his skills and improve his craftsmanship through attending workshops and seminars, including the Oberlin Violin Making Workshop and the Oberlin Acoustics Workshop.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr style=\"caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 1px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\u003cbr style=\"caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 1px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1rem; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 1px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(42, 42, 42);\"\u003eDirk has received both tone and violin making awards for his instruments. At the Southern Violin Association Violin Makers Competition 2019, Dirk has received awards for first place tone for viola, second place workmanship for viola, and third place for violin tone. He was also awarded a Silver Medal for Tone and a Silver Medal for Overall for his viola in the 2015 VMAAI Competition. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"American","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53214020174097,"sku":"VA165-H142-4","price":16000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0908\/1149\/8769\/files\/front_6e030b12-9193-4bbf-a43d-a519c3b879ad.jpg?v=1772761123"},{"product_id":"andrew-carruthers-15-5-guadagnini-model-viola-santa-rosa-ca-2025-metzler-violins","title":"Andrew Carruthers 15.5\" Guadagnini model viola, Santa Rosa, CA, 2025 | Metzler Violins","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003esmooth, bright, clear\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Instrument\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis viola has a warm clarity, smooth and a joy to play. This would be an excellent choice for someone searching for a smaller instrument with a big sound. The refined umber varnish is over a golden ground, bringing out the fiddleback figure of flames falling from the center joint of the two-piece maple back. Similar flames run along the ribs and scroll.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInterior label reads: “Andrew Carruthers \/ Santa Rosa, California 2025\"\u003cbr\u003eLength: 393 mm\u003cbr\u003eUpper Bouts: 185 mm\u003cbr\u003eMiddle: 134 mm\u003cbr\u003eLower Bouts: 230 mm\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbout the Maker\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAndrew Carruthers\u003c\/b\u003e (1957- ) is a contemporary luthier who was born in Oxfordshire, England. Carruthers initially worked as a Research Associate at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory before pursuing instrument making, whereupon he returned to the United Kingdom to attend the now-defunct Welsh School of Violin Making and Repair. Carruthers then came stateside to Chicago, working under the cello specialist Russell Wagner in the notable Bein \u0026amp; Fushi atelier. Carruthers focused predominantly on repair and restoration at Bein \u0026amp; Fushi, but came in early each day to build his own instruments. In 1994, Carruthers moved to Tacoma, Washington and ran a shop out of his basement, before settling in Santa Rosa, California the next year. Once in Santa Rosa, Carruthers did restorations for dealers and crafted his own instruments in equal measure. In 2015, Carruthers began to focus entirely on stringed instrument making, and has made hundreds of instruments based on Guarneri del Gesù, Stradivarius, Montagana models, as well as building many “off-beat” violins and cellos that expand the aesthetic of his craft. He also employs woods often neglected by other luthiers, including poplar and willow. He has earned several accolades for his instruments, including Violin Society of America’s Silver Medal for Cello Tone, as well as Certificate of Merit for Violin Tone and Cello Tone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"American","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53230437499153,"sku":"VA155-C111-23","price":25000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0908\/1149\/8769\/files\/Va2537GuadViolatop.jpg?v=1773088029"},{"product_id":"guillaume-turgeon-16-5-viola-montreal-2025-metzler-violins","title":"Guillaume Turgeon 16.5\" viola, Montreal, 2025 | Metzler Violins","description":"\u003cp\u003eGuillaume Turgeon studied viola at college and enjoyed a career as a cabinetmaker, before joining the National School of Violinmaking (Quebec City, Canada). After obtaining his degree in 2007, he joined the workshop of Pier Bergeron, where he spent several years deepening his knowledge of setting-up, repairing and restoring instruments. His apprenticeship continued with luthiers Jean-Benoît Stensland and Thérèse Girard with whom he made new instruments full time. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom 2015, he shared a workshop in Montreal with Fabienne Gauchet until 2022. At that moment, along with Isabelle Wilbaux and Louis Gord, they opened the Collectif Lutherie Montreal. The Collectif is a shared workshop for violin and bow makers where 11 independent artisans work together, organize conferences and lessons and take crafting instruments and their bows to the next level.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Canadian","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53230675558673,"sku":"VA165-T67-1","price":25000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0908\/1149\/8769\/files\/Screenshot2026-03-09at1.49.11PM.png?v=1773089414"},{"product_id":"copy-of-michael-fischer-16-3-4-viola-2018-copy-of-zanetto-1570-los-angeles-metzler-violins","title":"Michael Fischer 15 5\/8\" viola, \"Maggini,\" 2026, Redwood top, Eucalyptus back, Los Angeles | Metzler Violins","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Maker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMichael Fischer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a living luthier who was born and raised in South Germany. At eighteen, Fischer attended the Mittenwald Violin Making School before moving to London to assist Dietrich Kessler at Withers, making viola-da-gambas and other baroque instruments. While in London, Fischer also worked with Charles Beare, the renowned luthier and violin dealer. While working in Beare’s shop, Fischer accomplished difficult restorations on the instruments there. Fischer moved to Los Angeles in the 1980s, working in Hans Weisshar’s atelier before opening his own shop in 1984 with a focus on restoration. It was while restoring a 1697 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMateo Gofriller violin, Fischer decided to make a copy for the joy of it. Since then, Fischer has made and sold over 300 copies of fine instruments alongside his efforts to restore and sell excellent stringed instruments and bows out of his atelier. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProfessionals worldwide play and praise his instruments, with testimonials from musicians such as Gil Shaham and Gidon Kremer. Fischer is a member of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers, Entente Internationale des Maitres Luthiers et Archetiers D'Art, and Verband Deutscher Geigenbauer und Bogenmacher e.V.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"American","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53240509956369,"sku":"VA1575-F09-59","price":35000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0908\/1149\/8769\/files\/MFischervla317-front_90fff95c-c68e-47e2-87f2-172c7a421646.jpg?v=1773264515"}],"url":"https:\/\/metzlerviolins.com\/collections\/8th-ame-viola.oembed","provider":"Metzler Violin Shop Inc.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}