Viola - Graeme Thatcher (No. 48)

New Instrument

Like No. 47, the back of this viola is made from the same piece of very old, unique, rare and exquisite New Zealand native mangeao. It has an unusual vertical grain and underlying mottled effect. Across the centre of the lower bout is a blended line of miniature immature knots forming, which flows over the edge in a continuous direction across the rib. The ribs and scroll are of matching wood.

The belly is made from two piece Swiss Pine, very hard and old with an even medium grain.

Natural golden brown hues with clear oil varnish and superb transparency.

This is a superb viola with a very deep rich tone. This viola has amazing power, is deep like a cello on the C string, and bright like a violin on the A string. The G and D falling into a middle tone. This is an exceptional viola.

Deer crowns have been used for the upper nut and the lower saddle, they more like speckled ivory with a cream tint.