A Viola By Johann Georg Voigt II, 1783. 15 3/8.”

A 15 3/8” viola from 1783 attributed to Neukirchen maker, Johann Georg Voigt II (1752-1842), who lived to a ripe old age. The pattern, wood choice, and varnish are highly characteristic of the Voigt family during this period, but the instrument was made quickly, in the more free-form German traditions of the era; many shops offered instruments with scribed purfling as an affordable alternative, a practice which cut down on construction time considerably. “IGV” to the back button. The scroll by another hand - mid 19th century work from Markneukirchen. Neukirchen work from this era is markedly under appreciated and often confused outright with that from Markneukirchen. Having said that, an instrument such as this with scribed purfling and a later scroll is not particularly valuable. Rather, a solid, if not interesting alternative to modern commercial instruments for the talented but still advancing student or amateur enthusiast looking for a smaller instrument with considerable age that won’t break the bank. Numerous repairs, all stable, with a fetching natural patina. Setup with Larsen A, Dominant D & G, and an Evah Pirazzi C string, boxwood fittings with black accents, and possessing a voice that is cavernous, easy to both draw and push, with a mellow, somewhat reedy character; a far departure from the untowardly bright - altogether, characterful and pleasant.