Mezzo-Forte Carbon Fiber Viola (Available In 15 And 16.5 Inch)
People are surprised that a material other than wood can sound this great. Mezzo-forte carbon fibre violas have a sound that is warm and brilliant. The projection is impressive, and the playability makes higher positions very comfortable. This viola comes in two sizes, 15 inches and 16.5 inches. You can also choose between hybrid (which has a pick-up incorporated) and non-hybrid.
Mezzoforte began developing carbon fibre instruments in 2009 after having great success with their carbon fibre bows. This involved technical construction, moulding and experimenting with sound. After three years, they completed the development of the violin in late 2011, and the viola was completed in early 2012.
These violas are manufactured in Germany and set up in the Mezzoforte workshop by an experienced luthier. They are tested rigorously before being sold.
Each instrument has a certificate of authenticity and a unique serial number to make them easy to identify.
Making an instrument from carbon fibre has other advantages:
- They are not affected by climate changes such as humidity or temperature
- Carbon fibre is strong and stable
- They are striking in appearance
- Ideal for travelling and playing outside
Specifications:
- Fingerboard: 15" Spruce fibre composite injection moulded
- 16.5" ebony
- Nut: Composite
- Lower saddle: integrated into the body
- Pegs: Wittner fine-tune
- Sound post: spruce- this allows your luthier to make adjustments
- Bass bar: carbon fibre
- End button: Rockinger, screwed
- Tailpiece: Wittner composite
- Lacquer: Two-component
- Proof of authenticity: Laminated serial number
- Hybrid: Integrated Fishman V400, modified system with ¼ carpenter jack
Mezzo-forte instruments have won awards in competitions against traditional wood instruments. In 2015, Mezzoforte's carbon fibre violin came first at the German musical instrument awards- the Deutscher Musikinstrumentpreis. The annual competition recognises excellence in a contemporary instrument made in Germany. The instruments were compared in blind tests to evaluate their sound quality and acoustic performance, and then a detailed examination of the craftsmanship and the ratio of price to performance. The beauty of this carbon fibre violin is its accessible price compared to the wooden violin that came second in these awards. The Guarneri replica made by highly decorated luthier Andreas Haensel was valued at $20,000 USD.