Jump to content
Maestronet Forums

Leo Aschauer Viola Authenticity ?


Recommended Posts

This instrument offered is almost identical to one which belonged to my stand partner back in 1968 when I played viola in the New Jersey Symphony.  He got his Ashauer from Moennig in Philadelphia.  Nice viola, but the price is no bargain. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It looks right to me. I think it would be a good choice. M&son was picky about the German instruments that left their shop.

However, given that its Ebay, there are dozens of pitfalls. I would only think about it after examining it in person. And of course after looking at other instruments in your price range

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Several of his instruments found with a Google search - seems the typical listing price is $15K or so. If this one is in good condition with no obvious problems, the price seems reasonable. I think it sounds pretty good based on the video sample, although I'd want to hear it and play it in person. However, "seller does not accept returns", so be aware of that. I'd at least want to show it to my local luthier before spending even that amount of money. As others have pointed out, it is always worth visiting a shop or two and stating a budget, then try several instruments in that price range before deciding on anything. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=Leo+Aschauer+viola&rlz=1C1CHBD_enUS993US993&oq=Leo+Aschauer+viola&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIKCAEQABiABBiiBDIKCAIQABiABBiiBDIGCAMQRRg9MgYIBBBFGDwyBggFEEUYPNIBCDIxNjZqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I had one of similar vintage that I acquired from the original owner who had played it for over 50 years.. Around that time, Aschauer's varnish hardened very slowly and printed badly from any pressure from case linings, ets. This one had been repaired several times and still had printing showing from later years. That might be something to look for. IN general It looks close to the one I had. Good viola. She won a full scholarship on it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Drescher cites Aschauers personal manuscript CV from the VDG. He learnt in Mittenwald from 1906 until 1910, then worked for Wilfer in Leipzig, then briefly for Gärtner in Stuttgart. Then he did hid Meisterprüfung in Stuttgart, 1922 and became director of the Geigenbauschule in Mittenwald in the same year. He worked as Violin School director until his retirement in 1957. He then made (?)violins on his own account until  1969, which he largely sold via his son Ludwig who had moved to America, which I suppose explains why they do not appear here. In Europe, they sold the student violins (fairly cheaply) to the trade. I presume these “Aschauer” fiddles are the American equivalent

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I heard his name was often placed on violins produced by senior students at the Geigenbauschule.  £15k sounds like a couple of orders of magnitude higher than the prices I have seen in London auctions.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Seller says that by tomorrow listing would be removed and sent to Tarisio. I doubt he'd get anywhere close to current asking price. If you're satisfied with what you see, wait it out once it gets to Tarisio and bid there, then you can procure condition report and guarantee etcetera, and likely at a more affordable price ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 9/14/2024 at 7:07 AM, isadoren said:

Seller says that by tomorrow listing would be removed and sent to Tarisio. I doubt he'd get anywhere close to current asking price. If you're satisfied with what you see, wait it out once it gets to Tarisio and bid there, then you can procure condition report and guarantee etcetera, and likely at a more affordable price ;)

Retail for that viola everywhere I see is above 15K. With Tarisios comission and other charges, I dont see it becoming any cheaper. And yes, the seller had communicated to me as well that he or she will be sending it to Tarisio auctions but I thought it was a pressure tactic to sell :( It appears the listing is also removed.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.


×
×
  • Create New...