Michael Fischer 16 3/8" viola, 2005, Maggini copy, Los Angeles | Metzler Violins

bold, dark, complex

About the Instrument
This viola has a mature resonance, with a nuanced fullness. This instrument a wonderful selection for someone looking for a unique and bold viola. This instrument is a striking model of one crafted by Giovanni Paolo Maggini. It bears a double purfling along its edges. Its rich brown varnish is applied over its half slab cut maple back, which has a unique tiger figure and texture. Similar flames marks are along its ribs and scroll. The maker has beautifully antiqued this instrument to honor the original upon which it is based, including craquelé across the front plate and a bit across the back.

Interior label reads: “J. Michael G. Fischer fecit / Los Angeles anno 2005 / copie of.” A second facsimile label reads: “Gio. Paolo Maggini, in Breſcia”
Length: 405 mm
Upper Bouts: 204 mm
Middle: 145 mm
Lower Bouts: 260 mm

About the Maker
J. Michael G. Fischer (1954- ) 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 Mateo 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. Professionals 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.

https://mfischerviolins.com/