Francois Mast, fine French 3/4 viola (36.5 cm) - (certificate J.-J. Rampal)

This antique French viola is a rarity for players with slightly smaller hands. With a body size of only 36.5 cm, it is characterized by excellent musical properties.

Built in Toulouse around 1830, this François Mast viola reflects the best traditions of classical French violin making, in which François' father Joseph Laurent Mast was a student of Nicolas. Fine details such as the beautifully blackened scroll, the opulent purfling with double inlay and delicately drawn corners, and last but not least, the dark red oil varnish applied with a mature sense of style, reveal at first glance the high quality this instrument demands – and rightly so, as evidenced by its mature, clear and impressively voluminous sound, with a bright clarity in the upper registers. Antique string instruments of this quality are extremely rare in the smaller sizes that enable many musicians to play comfortably and with nuance in the first place – especially in as good a condition as this viola, which is crack-free and, with a few signs of wear commensurate with its advanced age, is in remarkably good condition.

François Mast viola, around 1830 – short description

• Small format with low ribs and 36.5 cm body size,
• 33.4 cm vibrating string length
• Particularly suitable for musicians with smaller hands
• First-class craftsmanship, in excellent, crack-free condition
• Excellent playability, clear, voluminous and mature sound
• With a certificate from the renowned expert Jean-Jacques Rampal,
• 30-day return policy
• Free shipping

Corilon violins offers free shipping worldwide, set up by our luthiers and inspected by our experts, along with a 30-day return policy and Corilon trade-in guarantee. You can also order a Corilon certificate of appraisal.

US customers can rest assured: when choosing UPS shipping, there are usually no import duties, and even with free standard shipping, any potential import costs on mail orders are typically minimal.