MV14/ 81A Viola 16 1/2 Inch. By ‘Harry Dobbs’ Circa 1975. Sound Sample

One-piece back with fine grain and tight figure. Medium-grain front. Golden-amber varnish. Wittner pegs and upgraded Aubert French cut bridge and soundpost, with boxwood fittings. Length of back: 41.1 cms. String length: 36.5 cms

Harry Dobbs (1916-1978), a prolific  maker of violins, violas and cellos in Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands. He won first prize at the Watford Music Festival Luthier Competition in 1972, 1973, and 1974. Many of his instrument were made under different trade names. he used several aliases, including Gasparo Rochelle,  but  that he labelled his better work using his own name.