Ling Zhenhua Gorgeous 1726 Replica Stradivarius Viola – CURRENTLY OUT ON TRIAL –

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Ling was a winner in both the 2014 and 2016 VSA competitions. In 1984 Ling landed a job as an electrical engineer in Shenzhen in southern China. Its proximity to Hong Kong helped get Ling into violin making. Ling wanted to be a famous violinist but was urged to go into violin making rather than play them. He spent 10 years playing and honing his making skills before returning to his home of Shanghai, where in 1995 he set up his own workshop. His focus has been and remains making replicas of fine Italian violins. He studied Italian varnish from fragments and broken instruments from Europe, the only things he could afford from the European auction houses. He would then take them back to his workshop to meticulously study the traits and ingredients that he could discover. His instruments have been purchased by major players in many orchestras.

The craftsmanship is outstanding in this copy of the Stradivarius viola. Ling’s wood selection and the drying process is very important. He spent much time researching and traveling to Italy, even having huge logs cut and dried in Italy before having them transported back to Shanghai. The spruce top on this instrument is straight and even grain that slightly broadens at the flanks. The two-piece maple back jumps in its degree flame. The flame is medium width. The ribs are elegant, and the neck and scroll jump just as much in degree of the flame. The oil varnish is an amber/orange/brown color on a golden ground. The fitting are carved in ebony with the tailpiece being German Wittner tail. This instrument is fitted with a French Despiau grade B bridge and Vision Solo strings. The viola looks and sounds fantastic.

• Corpus 406.0 mm.
• Major Width 250.0 mm.
• Minor Width 201.0 mm.
• Rib Height 37.0 mm.
• Vibrating String Length 369 .0 mm.

The sound has a rich and mature quality and has carrying power that is full of sustain. The bottom has a slight edge to the strength of the viola that blows me away. This is a total WOW! The overtones are fantastic, and the responsiveness of the instrument is over the top nice. This instrument rings clear, in no way harsh or strident. The treble side is sweet and resonant too, while retaining the presence and power. The instrument lays well and is easy to play. I love the depth and maturity of the sound. This is a professional viola with choice woods, impeccable construction, and what a sound. The instrument is awaiting a serious player.