“Didier Nicolas L’Ainé” Mirecourt Viola

This viola is rather small with a body length of 376mm. Small but mighty, you could say, as the sound is very balanced and full. The one-piece back and the skillfully accentuated ribs complete the picture in combination with an even, yellow-brown oil varnish. It was made in Mirecourt, and as is typical of the period around the turn of the century, it bears the stamp “D. Nicholas Ainé”, which is often found in more sophisticated instruments from the Mirecourt workshops. A patina typical of its age and the usual signs of use are clearly visible, yet the instrument is crack-free.