Jeffrey Haas 16 1/4" viola, "Zukerman", Albany, New York, 2024 | Metzler Violins

Jeffrey is a former R&D engineer for the US Army, recently retiring after 37 years of service. He holds a BS degree from Clarkson College and an MS Degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Jeffrey began his violinmaking studies with the late Geoffrey Ovington and later with Michael Darnton. He has continued to refine his skills as a regular participant in the VSA Oberlin Violinmaking workshops.

His approach is to apply classical design principles to the instruments construction. Materials are the finest aged European tonewood and finished with a traditional oil varnish.

The instruments featured in the exhibition included a violin and viola inspired by the “Baron Knoop” Stradivari of 1715 and the Andrea Guarneri “Zukerman” viola of 1670.
In addition to building, he is an active member of the Siena College Orchestra. He also enjoys playing contradance fiddle with the Albany NY based Capital District Megaband as well as Celtic sessions in the Albany, Saratoga and NYC area. Otherwise, one might find him on his bike among the many rail trails along the Huson and Mohawk rivers. Jeffrey is a lifelong resident of Albany NY.