Martin Schuster 'Giacomo Gennaro' Viola 16.5" Melbourne Australia 2023

This viola was made by Martin Schuster in Melbourne, Australia in 2023. Born in Düsseldorf, Germany, Martin Schuster came to violin making through music and craftsmanship. He studied cello with the principal cellist of the Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra before graduating from the Newark School of Violin Making in England in 1988. After Newark, Schuster spent twelve years working as a maker and restorer in master workshops in the Netherlands and Germany, including with Joost van der Grinten, Peter Körner and Gerriet Groth. He moved to Melbourne in 2001 and established his own workshop, and is a founding member of the Australian Violin Makers Association. Schuster makes violins, violas and cellos using traditional materials and methods associated with the Cremonese tradition. His work combines new making with restoration and repair of older instruments and bows.

This viola is labelled "Martin Schuster fecit Melbourne anno 2023". It measures 421mm along the back, 205mm across the upper bouts, and 246mm across the lower bouts. The is made with two pieces of moderately-flamed maple with a broad curl, and the ribs and scroll have been made to match. The front is of a finely grained spruce, and is finished with an amber varnish on a golden ground and ebony fittings.