The Makers:

Jan Szlachtowski (b. 1951, Nowy Targ, Poland) began his lutherie journey in 1970 when his worked under the perspicacious direction of senior Polish master maker Jozef Bartoszk at the Technical College of Violin Making in Nowy Targ. Jan then refined his violin making skills at the William H. Lee workshop in Chicago, where he worked from 1987 to 1988. Since 1988, Jan has been working at the Bobak workshop in Nowy Targ making instruments, honoring the finest of European traditions and models.

Appearance:

Carefully handcrafted in 2025, this viola exemplifies the fine craftsmanship that Szlachtowski has come to be known for. It was modeled after Maggini, with a beautifully antiqued orange-brown varnish over gold ground, on finely grained spruce top and delicate flamed maple back.

Sound & Feel:

This viola resonates endlessly, exhibiting a full, open sound. Its tone is even across all registers and very sweet, yet powerful.

Materials:

Belly: Spruce, Two-Piece

Back: Maple, Two-Piece

Specs:

Back length: 39.4 cm

String length: 36.2 cm