With a powerful, dark, cello-like sound, this viola is also remarkably agile and responsive. Great balance across the strings, and easy to play. Tonewood from Leonhardt's managed supply assures stability for the long-term and allows a mature sound to emerge. The Leonhardt Workshop, producing quality bowed instruments since 1926, is situated in the small town of Mittenwald. This center of South German lutherie has a 350-year tradition of violin making. The Leonhardt workshop has graduated from its humble beginnings to an atelier of master craftsmen. Shop founder Anton Dietl was succeeded by his son-in-law Wilfried Leonhardt – himself son Mittenwald luthier Fritz Leonhardt (plucked instruments). Wilfried Leonhardt has in turn been followed by his own son, master luthier Rainer W. Leonhardt. Rainer Leonhardt learned violinmaking in Mittenwald and took the journeyman exam in 1982. This was followed by several years working at various well known violin shops to enhance the knowledge of building, repair, optimum tonal adjustment and bow making. In 1990, he received his master's certificate from the Chamber of Crafts in Munich. He won the award for best European participant in the European Association of Violin and Bow Makers Competition in 1997. Considering Rainer W. Leonhardt's passion for excellent craftsmanship, it comes as no surprise that he is also manager of the renowned Mittenwald Museum of Violin Making.
