At 15 ½”, this is a comfortably sized instrument, of a personal model inspired by the work of the old Masters. The back plate is of two pieces of medium, regularly flamed maple with similar wood in the sides and head; the top plate of fine tone wood; the varnish of a light amber hue.

Based in Upper Hutt in the North Island of New Zealand, Malcolm Collins made the full range of orchestral stringed instruments. Malcolm was a viola player himself and had developed his own models inspired by the great makers of the 18^th century, aided by the empirical knowledge gained from consistent work practices over many years.

It retains Malcolm’s original custom set-up and is fitted with Evah Pirazzi strings. It rewards the player with a big, complex viola sound. suitable for the advanced student or young professional player.

Malcolm Collins, New Zealand,15 ½” Viola, 2023.

Reference: VA.188