The Julia L. Klotz 16-inch Viola "Schneeflocke" is a handcrafted master viola from Mittenwald, Germany, made with aged Bosnian maple and European spruce, and finished in a beautiful hand-applied orange-brown spirit varnish over a golden ground. Offering a warm, rich tone with excellent clarity and projection, it is an outstanding instrument for advanced students, professional performers, and dedicated violists.
Julia L. Klotz continues the renowned Klotz family violin-making tradition in Mittenwald, a heritage spanning more than 350 years. Her handcrafted instruments combine traditional German craftsmanship, premium European tonewoods, and exceptional tonal refinement, earning appreciation from musicians worldwide.
The Julia L. Klotz 16-inch Viola "Schneeflocke" is a beautifully handcrafted master viola made in Mittenwald, Germany, continuing a tradition of one of the world's most celebrated violin-making centres. Built using carefully aged Bosnian maple for the back and ribs and premium European spruce for the top, this exceptional instrument offers a superb balance of warmth, clarity, and projection. Finished with 20–30 hand-applied coats of warm orange-brown spirit varnish over a golden ground, the viola showcases the natural beauty of its tonewoods while enhancing their resonance and visual depth. Every detail, from the elegant scroll to the precisely carved f-holes, reflects Julia Klotz's dedication to traditional craftsmanship and artistic excellence.
With its comfortable 16-inch body size, the "Schneeflocke" produces a rich, responsive tone suited to advanced students, professional performers, and discerning musicians. The carefully selected tonewoods, aged between 10 and 100 years, provide exceptional tonal maturity, while the handcrafted construction delivers excellent balance across all registers. Whether performing in chamber music, orchestral settings, or as a soloist, this viola offers the refined sound and craftsmanship expected from a fine contemporary Mittenwald instrument.
About Julia L. Klotz
Julia L. Klotz is a German master violin maker from Mittenwald, Bavaria, a town renowned for over 350 years of violin-making excellence. As a member of the distinguished Klotz family, whose name has been associated with fine string instruments since the 17th century, she continues this historic tradition by creating handcrafted violins and violas that combine classical techniques with her own artistic style. Her instruments are admired for their refined workmanship, elegant varnish, carefully selected European tonewoods, and expressive tonal character, making them sought after by musicians and collectors around the world.
Jan Chamot (1939) 15 3/4 Inch Viola features:
• Made in Krakov Poland in 1934
• Expertly restored and set up by the luthiers in Animato's workshop
• Despiau three-star bridge and Evah Pirazzi strings fitted
The William Elmore Viola – San Mateo, California, 1999 is a handcrafted American viola offering a warm, rich tone with excellent clarity, balance, and projection. Built with carefully selected tonewoods and traditional craftsmanship, it provides exceptional responsiveness and musical versatility.
William Elmore is an American luthier and graduate of the Violin Making School of America, with more than 25 years of experience in violin making, restoration, and repair. After spending over two decades at the renowned Roland Feller Violin Makers in San Francisco, he established his own workshop, where he continues to produce fine handcrafted instruments admired for their craftsmanship, tonal quality, and playability.
We have here a 15 inch Old French Viola- Repaired by Gand. Charles Eugène Gand was a French Luthier who started with his father Charles François Gand as an apprentice who is the successor of Lupot.
Matteo Marsili (b. 1991, Viadana) is a Cremona-trained Italian luthier based in Casalmaggiore, known for crafting violins, violas, and cellos inspired by classical masters and for his contributions to both modern violin making and historical research.
• Studied under Massimo Negroni at Cremona’s International School of Violin Making
• Opened first workshop in Casalmaggiore in 2017 and founded “Bottega di Liuteria” in 2023
• Creates instruments using personal models and custom amber-colored varnish
• Regular exhibitor at major music festivals
• Researches and publishes on lesser-known Italian luthiers, including a book on Gabriele Pareschi
• Registered with the Chamber of Commerce as a violin maker since 2023
Bearing the label "William Elmore, San Mateo, California 1999," this 16-inch viola was handcrafted by American luthier William Elmore, a graduate of the Violin Making School of America who spent over two decades with Roland Feller Violin Makers in San Francisco before establishing his own workshop. Made in San Mateo, California, in 1999, this viola is appreciated for its refined craftsmanship, warm and resonant tone, balanced construction, responsive playability, and dependable performance, making it an excellent example of contemporary American viola making.
This viola is Kohlert's unique model, which draws inspiration from the Brescian School. The Brescian School is renowned for producing high-quality violas in the 16th and 17th centuries, crafted by famous makers such as Maggini and Gaspar Da Salo. The size of this particular viola measures 16.3 inches (41.4 cm).
This viola features the original handwritten label "Konrad Kohlert – Geigenbaumeister – fecit Bavariae – Forchheim-Poxdorf anno 2016" and the personal inscription "ex Passione natus," identifying it as a handcrafted German viola made in Bavaria in 2016. Built by master luthier Konrad Kohlert, who trained under Ernst Heinrich Roth and at the Mittenwald Violin Making School, the instrument reflects the highest standards of contemporary German violin making. Combining exceptional craftsmanship, a rich, balanced tone, and outstanding responsiveness, this viola is a superb choice for professional musicians and serious collectors.
We have here a 15" Paul Knorr Viola (SP Crack Repair) made in Markneukirchen in 1922. Paul Knorr a German luthier, a pupil of Max Dolling who established his workshop in Markneukirchen in 1921.
