Louis Viohl & Sons

What I have managed to invite this time, a top end  L. Viohl & Sons model originally from New York. This was a top end family luthiery and this example is absolutely gorgeous! Yes there are a few knocks and scratches but then it is antique and there are no structural issues at all. It is made from top quality mahogany with a contrasting lighter wood and mahogany rosette and perfling on the top, it's not quite rope binding but its a similar technique, and more complicated than a standard rope binding. All of the decoration is remarkably intact with none of the wood slithers missing, but the is a slight parting of the binding and the top at the waist. 

Tonewise it's a bit quiet but I am not sure about the strings? They are nylon and not it would appear of the greatest quality. They will need to be reapplied, if not replaced and I do think a set of Aquila Nylgut strings would do a better job.