Alexander Tzankow 16 1/8" viola, 2025, Lakewood, Colorado, USA | Metzler Violins

powerful, rich, full

About this Instrument
This 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. The 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. This instrument has been lovingly antiqued by its maker, revealing a golden ground.

Interior label reads: “Alexander Tzankow / Geigen- und Lautenmacher in / Lakewood Anno 2025” with the maker’s signature.
Length: 411 mm
Upper Bouts: 196 mm
Middle: 143 mm
Lower Bouts: 248 mm

About the Maker
Alexander Tzankow (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 & zn in Utrecht, and M&R Weisshaar & Son in Los Angeles. He now runs his own workshop outside of Denver, Colorado.