Here is an opportunity to get a beautiful viola that sounds absolutely great for a steal! This viola is a 16” inch viola with one of the greatest sounds that we have heard coming through the shop. It is very well built and will last you your whole playing career if you want. It is ready for you to take home today!

This viola has a label reading:

Rhodes Violins

David Rhodes Luthier

Despite what the label reads, David Rhodes is not the maker of this instrument. This instrument in actually an unlabeled instrument. During the time that the late David Rhodes was doing work on instruments, it was fairly common for luthiers to put a label on instruments that they have worked on (on the opposite side of where the maker label would go). David Rhodes was a luthier that worked and lived out of North Carolina.

The lack of a label is a blessing in disguise though! Although we don’t know who made the instrument, this instrument is beautiful and sounds even better than it looks which allows us to offer this viola at a very competitive price. It plays, looks, and sounds as good as instruments that are twice the price!

The varnish is a lovely warm orange with brown tones reminiscent of a German made instrument. Judging by the appearance, repair history, and ownership, we would date this instrument in the mid to late 20th century. One look at the pictures will tell you all you need to know about the quality of the wood used as well! The flame on the ribs, back, and scroll are dramatic and very even.

As you can imagine, a lovely instrument like this was played a lot during it’s lifetime and there are very minor imperfections in the varnish that do not affect the performance or integrity of the viola at all. We are able to retouch these spots for the buyer if they wish!

The bridge is in great shape and the fingerboard is smooth. You could play this instrument for years as is! (with regular maintenance). This viola includes an Arcos Brasil carbon fiber bow ($240.00 value!). Arcos Brasil is a great company that makes really nice bows. This bow is their offering for an affordable durable bow that is very stable.

The pictured Bam Hightech Contoured Viola case in silver carbon is also included in this sale. These are fantastic cases and lots of players use them. It does have some scuff marks (pretty common with this style of case) and does not include backpack straps. A replacement case would cost you $940.00 today! Also included is a Kun shoulder rest, mute, and the paperwork from the previous owner.

Here is a summary of what you are getting for only $7,728.00 $6,500.00!

• Viola (replacement value of $6,500.00)

• Bam Hightech Contoured Viola Case in Silver Carbon (replacement value of $940.00)

• Arcos Brasil Carbon Fiber Bow (replacement value of $240.00)

• Kun Collapsible Shoulder Rest (replacement value of $38.00)

• Hofner Ultra Practice Mute (replacement value of $10.00)

Contact us if you are interested in this instrument. Shipping is available at buyer’s cost. The instrument is available for trial in Halifax.