Ernst Henrich Roth #52 16" Viola 2013

This viola was made in the Ernst Heinrich Roth workshop in 2013 in Bubenreuth. The Roth family has been involved in instrument making since 1873, when Gustav Robert Roth founded his own workshop in Markneukirchen. It was his son however, Ernst Heinrich Roth I, who was mainly responsible for the proliferation of the Roth brand, and the high regard associated with Roth instruments. He began his own workshop in 1902, and by the 1920's, his instruments were highly sought after, being played and commented on by violinists such as Eugène Ysaÿe and Henri Marteau. After this period, the business was expanded to North America by E. H. Roth II, and and the German branch was taken over by first his brother Albert Roth, then E. H. Roth III and finally Wilhelm Roth, who was trained in violin making in Mittenwald, and who manages the workshop today. This instrument doesn't come with a certificate of authenticity and photos from the maker. This viola is labelled "Ernst Heinrich Roth / Bubenreuth 2013 / Handmade Germany / Antonius Stradivarius" and is based on a Stradivarius model. The body measures 408mm along the back, 195mm across the upper bouts and 237mm across the lower bouts. The back is of highly flamed maple with a medium curl, with matching ribs and scroll. The top is of a fine but lightly grained spruce. The viola has a gold-brown varnish with ebony pegs and tailpiece. It is in good condition. This viola has a brighter character and is most suited for performance at a tertiary level. It has a rich sound, with lots of core and an ease of projection, and would suit a player in all modes of performance. Please contact us if you would like to book an appointment to try this beautiful viola.