Brian T. Derber is a brilliant violin maker located in far-flung Presque Isle, Northern Wisconsin. He holds BS and MS degrees in Industrial Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He is also a graduate of the Chicago Violin Making School and then taught at the school for 8 years. Concurrently, he made, sold, and repaired string instruments. In 1992, Derber established his own business and continued his passion for teaching by founding the New World School of Violin Making. Moreover, Derber wrote and published the glorious “Manual of Violin Making” which has been heralded as a unique and welcome text for serious students of violin making. Derber will tell you his own instruments reflect his role as a teacher and thus he is infinitely picky about the craftsmanship of each violin, viola, and cello to the extent of not wanting any visible toolmarks. Indeed, this superlative 16 ¼” viola reflects his philosophy. The viola is cloaked with a stunning and distinctive light red-brown over gold varnish.  This viola does all the good stuff we violists want! Plush, but clean sonorous timbre; super responsive; and so comfortable to play. You can ask any musical gesture or technique from this viola and be delighted. Savor the experience!