This viola has been created already a few years ago using Italian flamed poplar for the back. Usually poplar is not very much appreciated since it is in its first years quite unstable. This piece has been seasoned already for more than 30 years before I made this viola; indeed I remember that it has been much harder than expected. Poplar is actually an ideal wood for viola. This small 40,5cm is a good example.
For the top I have chosen a super nice spruce from the Val di Fiemme, a Haselfichte or how they say in Italy "maschiato". So the signs you can see on the top are not flames but are the picture of this specific high quality spruce. A sign that the spruce is very good an it is known to be more elastic. Due to some untrained dealers who search for perfection when buying quick selling instruments, this extremely nice kind of spruce has been used less and less from makers around the globe.
A very particular and unique Masterpiece Viola with a great and profound sound for those who know what they are looking for.