Viola
Distributor
C. F. Schuster & Son
Date1920-1940 ca.
Place MadeMarkneukirchen, Saxony, Vogtland, Germany, Europe
ModelStradivari
Serial No.none
SignedPrinted on paper label: NACH STRADUARIUS [sic] / [shield containing triple-branched spruce twig and “GEGRÜNDET 1802. / SCHUTZ- MARKE.”] Erzeugt von / C. F. Schuster + Sohn [facsimile signature]Stamped on lower ribs below endpin: GERMANY
Markingsnone
DescriptionTop: two-piece, quarter-cut spruce: wide grain
Back: two-piece, quarter-cut maple: prominent, irregular, medium curl descending slightly from center joint
Ribs: quarter-cut maple: medium curl angled to right on bass side, angled to left on treble side; rib corners chamfered
Head and neck: maple: medium curl; inside of pegbox stained black
Varnish: medium orange with slight craquelure
Fingerboard: ebony or African blackwood
Nut: ebony; later, by Andrew Dipper
Tailpiece: ebony; baroque model by Andrew Dipper; drilled string holes; no saddle; lower end with rounded outline and beveled upper face; ebony removed from viola
Tailgut: plain gut; passes through holes drilled in face of tailpiece
Pegs: four rosewood; later; four ebony removed from viola
Saddle: ebony; low height; later, by Andrew Dipper
Endpin: rosewood; turned groove along outside edge; later; black-stained pearwood removed from viola
F-holes: inside edges stained black
Linings: spruce
Corner blocks: spruce lower corner blocks; no upper corner blocks
Bassbar: carved from top; low height
DimensionsBack length: 390 mmTotal viola length: 650 mm
Upper bout width: 182 mmStop length: 213 mm
Center bout width: 122 mmVibrating string length: 355 mm
Lower bout width: 225 mmNeck length (bottom of nut to ribs): 150 mm
Upper rib height: 33-34 mm
Center rib height: 32-33 mm
Lower rib height: 32-34 mm
ProvenanceAccording to notes and programs found in case, this viola might have been played by Arne B. Larson ca. 1940s-1960s. A note by Arne Larson found in the case of NMM 10679, and apparently referring to NMM 5805, indicates that this viola was used at Interlochen in 1934, and at Northwestern University in summers 1940, 1941, 1942, and 1944. This was the viola used by Arne Larson during his time as a counselor at Interlochen, and while studying for his M.M. degree during summer sessions at Northwestern. In fall of 1942 his first son André Larson was born, so he apparently remained at home following the birth rather than attending classes in summer 1943. (Information from note and from André Larson). Note: on 11/8/05, a note by Arne B. Larson about the use of a C. F. Schuster viola was transferred from the file of viola NMM 10679, in whose case it was found. The note that had been in the file of NMM 5805 refers to NMM 10679 and was transferred to its file.
Credit LineArne B. Larson Estate
Object number05805
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