David Chrapkiewicz 15 3/4" viola, Bar Harbor, ME, 2023 | Metzler Violins

spirited, refined, mature

About the Instrument
This viola has a gorgeous sound that maintains its strength and delicacy across registers, making it an ideal solo instrument while also versatile enough to integrate into group ensembles. Made for comfort, this petite, acoustically designed viola bears small Kreisler Guarneri f-holes to lower air resonances. Its two-piece European maple back has a medium flame slanting downward from the center joint. Its auburn varnish brings out the figures along its back, sides, and scroll.

Measurements:
String length: 362 mm
Body length: 400 mm
Stop: 214 mm
Upper bout: 188 mm
Center: 128 mm
Lower bout: 241 mm

About the Maker
David Ludwik Chrapkiewicz (“Rap-kye-vich”) is a contemporary Canadian luthier based in Bar Harbor, Maine. Chrapkiewicz studied violin making with former Mittenwald Shop Master, Alois Vogl, and Raymond Forget in Montreal, Canada. Later, he worked with William Moennig II in Nashville to further cultivate his capacities in antiquing. Since 1979, Chrapkiewicz has been a full-time violin maker since setting up his ateliers in Iowa City (1979-1984), Nashville (1984-1992), near New York City (1992-1998), near Washington, D.C. (1998-2020). He has been posted in Bar Harbor, Maine since 2020. Chrapkiewicz has earned multiple tone awards, including a Silver Medal for Tone in the Violin Society of America’s International Competition. He has exhibited his work at the VSA International Competition as well presented at the VSA’s Oberlin Summer Workshops. His professional memberships include: American Viola Society, Violin Society of America, Balalaika and Domra Association of America, Catgut Acoustical Society, Guild of American Luthiers, String Industry Council, among others.