Old instruments are always highly in demand, especially by collectors who will often pay huge prices for “antique” museum-pieces with high insurance premiums that represent an investment to them. However not all Strads are brilliant! The emperor’s new clothes refer.

Musicians will be ultimately be attracted to the instrument that offers them the best sound.

Not all old instruments are sturdy enough to withstand the demands of constant use, the larger dynamics required by today’s symphony orchestras and the technical requirements of some of the larger solo works that have emerged over the past century. Repairs are costly and depreciate the value of the instrument if craftsmanship is lacking (e.g. inappropriate restoration decisions, use of incorrect varnish etc) or if authentic materials are difficult to obtain or unavailable. The kudos of playing an old instrument - even one with a wonderful sound - may come at the price of eventual spinal problems if careful consideration has not been made to ensuring that it is anatomically suited to the individual performer.

The advantages offered by a custom-made high quality new instrument such as the viola include the fact that if it is created with expertise and tender care it will inevitably be in better condition and will also be more reliable and more durable than an old instrument.

It will be much easier to repair e.g. the neck may be cut or the fingerboard replaced with authenticity and the current availability of excellent wood does not compromise the classical sound quality, even if replacement is needed in the case of damage.

A new viola is able to provide a bigger sound with a deeper, fuller bass more suited to today’s performing levels due to ongoing developments in contemporary design.

The facility of tailoring the instrument to the specific ergonomic requirements of the individual lessens the risk of spinal aberrations and muscular fatigue.

A custom-made instrument for specific performing purposes or repertoire enables the performer to reach greater heights of sound production or virtuosity simply by “using the right tool for the job”.

As the viola ages and is played, not only the sound quality but also the long-term value of the instrument increases exponentially,

A new instrument such as the viola, provided it is quality-made by a reputable and trustworthy violinmaker, should prove to be a worthwhile investment in many ways and a valuable long-term musical asset.