Mittenwald viola by Karl Roy, master luthier 1961 (40.7 cm)

Mittenwald viola by Karl Roy (1933-2013), author of reference books and head of the Mittenwald violin making school - vibrating string length 37.0 cm.

With traces of time, but well maintained and crackfree - a Mittenwald viola by Karl Roy with charisma and powerful voice, built in the middle of the 20th century in the best Mittenwald craftsmanship. Karl Roy, born in 1933, learned the violin making craft from outstanding teachers such as Leo Aschauer, Paul Seckendorf and Lothar Frank. In 1958 he ventured into self-employment, specializing in the construction of historical reproductions of violins. From 1960 he found his calling as a master violin maker and teacher at the renowned Mittenwald violin making school. He headed this institution for a total of twenty years from 1972.In addition, Karl Roy also left a lasting impression in the USA. From 1973 to 2008, he was involved in teaching and co-founded the Summer Violin Craftsmanship Institute at the University of New Hampshire. As a member of the International Society of Violin and Bow Makers, he was often valued as a judge in violin making competitions. In 1983, he published the book "Violin Woods: A New Look." In 2006, his work "The Violin - Its History and Making" was published. The soundbox of this beautiful viola measures just over 40 cm and was made from the best tone woods of the Karwendel. The beautiful, regular grain of the medium grained spruce top and the tightly flamed two-piece maple back are covered with a typical varnish of a bright red-brown color over a golden-yellow ground. Fine details, such as the purfling and accurate purfling, are neatly finished. The viola was professionally worked over in our workshop and made ready to play. The sound is strong and powerful, full of character, mature and open, balanced across the strings and strong.