Arthur Edward Smith (1880–1978) is widely regarded as the most important violin maker in Australia. The National Museum holds a quartet put together by Smith’s daughter Ruth and her husband Ernest Llewellyn.

Post Stroke. This viola was made by the celebrated Australian maker, Arthur Edward Smith. Many fine musicians have owned and played Smiths instruments, including Stern, Ricci, Oistrakh and Menuhin who had more than one!

With a length of back of 417mm, the viola is comfortable to play and effortlessly makes an enormous, rich sound. It’s very easy to see why Smith’s instruments are so sought after. 

412 mm

ADAMS, Lloyd Born 1910, Worked Sydney Australia, died 1970 Boston, Massachusetts USA. Pupil of A. E. Smith, established independently in Sydney 1930-1957. Subsequently went to Boston, Massachusetts. Exhibited a gold and ivory mounted bow at the Sacconi Loan Exhibition in New York 1966. Died whilst preparing to return to Australia. Very highly regarded as a repairer, restorer, violin and bow maker, and connoisseur. Excellent work on classical Cremonese models with richly coloured varnish in appropriate shades.

This particular viola was played for 1 year by the pricipal violist ofThe Nurnberg Symphony Orchestra. This Viola features unique and gorgeous scroll carvings. 

Konrad Kohlert was born in Haguenau in 1957. The son of an instrument maker, he discovered early on his love for the instrument-crafting profession.

At 12 years old he carved his first scroll under the guidance of his father.

At 15 Konrad started his training with master violin maker Ernst Heinrich Roth in Bubenreuth and at the Violin Making School in Mittenwald. Once he had finished his apprenticeship in 1976 he worked for several years in his father's workshop.  

Konrad Kohlert was born in Haguenau in 1957. The son of an instrument maker, he discovered early on his love for the instrument-crafting profession.

At 12 years old he carved his first scroll under the guidance of his father.

At 15 Konrad started his training with master violin maker Ernst Heinrich Roth in Bubenreuth and at the Violin Making School in Mittenwald. Once he had finished his apprenticeship in 1976 he worked for several years in his father's workshop.  He then received his master's examination in 1987 from Nuremberg. Ever since Konrad has been self-employed and runs a workshop in Poxdorf (in Forchheim). Konrad is a member of the German Violin Making Association and "the Guild of Bowed and Plucked String Instrument Makers' Erlangen.

Old French Viola- Repaired by Gand

15.25" viola produced by Italian luthier Giovanni Battista Gaibisso in 1950.