Trained as a mathematician, David Prentice became interested in violinmaking in 1981, and soon set up his own shop. By 1988 he was making violins full time, and since then his instruments have garnered high praise across North America and Europe. This viola is a remarkable example of his fine work, elegantly crafted with a gorgeous one-piece maple back and a double purfling. Its sound is extraordinarily rich, complex, colorful, and clean. The bow moves smoothly and deeply across the string, and its relatively short string length makes this viola feel easy to play. This would be the ideal instrument for an advanced student or professional looking for more a more complex sound.