Viola for sale - Karl Knilling Student Viola 15.5

Dear Viola Players,

I am an amateur player, so my details and selling approach might me a bit unorthodox, a bit homey. Anyway, I've cared for this 15.5 voila since 1989--when I bought it. I believe it was made around 1970 by Karl Knilling in Czechoslovakia. As you can see from the photos, the body is beautiful and in good condition-the maple flame of the back is stunning. I replaced the bridge in 1999 at Clemens Violins in St. Louis, MO. The strings are about a month old: D'Addario Pro-Arte J58 (medium action). This viola stays in tune very well, and has a warm tone that would be great for a teenage student or a beginner to intermediate adult.

The brazilwood bow is by Doerfler, made in Germany. I think it is comparable to a 301. The frog is ebony, and the iris and slide is mother of pearl. The wrap is leather, and the tip is horn(?). It is perfectly straight and the hair was also replaced in 1999 by Clemens. My teacher was always impressed by my bow and the viola (my playing...not so much).

Sometimes after a lesson, I would ask him to play my viola for me, so that I could hear its capabilities. My mouth would always swing open, and I would say: "that's my viola!" I just wish I could say "that's my playing!" My teacher, by the way, was a sub for the SLSO (St. Louis Symphony Orchestra).

Comes with case (in photo), tuner, and rosin.

The reason that I am selling it? Two reasons. First, my teacher said (has been saying) that I really need a larger size viola. And second, I broke my left pinky a few years ago. After surgery, I just can't reach and control the way I need to...not the way I need to if I want to play anything other than first position.

I would be happy to supply more details.

Best wishes,
Sean