Viola by Ian Highfield, Rednal, 1994

About Ian Highfield

The late Ian Highfield was an incredibly talented luthier and certainly one of the most-respected of his generation. He initially graduated in fine art before turning his excellent aesthetic sense towards instrument making and restoration.

Highfield´s detailed research into all aspects of historical violin making allowed to him to create some of the most incredible bench copies of instruments which we have ever seen. Ian´s instruments are full of character and extremely well-observed details, all created with masterful precision.

About the viola

The viola was made by Highfield in 1994. It is modelled after the instruments of Stradivari.

The viola has a one piece back of beautifully figured maple with a dramatic marking across the upper bout. The ribs and scroll are of more delicately figured maple. The front is two pieces of medium-grained spruce and the varnish is golden-amber in colour.

This viola is unantiqued and has a length of back of 16 inches.

How does it sound?

This viola is very even with a nuanced, rich sound. It projects extremely well and is very resonant, ringing long after the bow leaves the string. A fantastic instrument that would be equally at home in solo and orchestral repertoire, this viola will be a brilliant musical partner.

Condition

The viola is in excellent condition and bears its original label. Charmingly, the label includes the phrase `for Rachel´.

More information

For more options, please view other violas in this price range.