This instrument is part of our 7th annual Contemporary American Makers Exhibition, 2024 

David Van Zandt is a 1983 graduate of the Violin Making School of America in Salt Lake City, and since that time has worked continuously as a professional violin maker. He worked with William Monical in New York City from 1983 to 1987, performing repair and restoration, and gaining an appreciation for period instruments.  He moved to Seattle in 1987 to continue his work as a maker and restorer. In 1996 he turned exclusively to making. In 2021 he moved his studio to Portland, Oregon.

David's working style has evolved through study, practice, and intension, while adhering closely to the traditional methods, materials, and forms of the 17th and 18th century Masters. His work is energized by the historical Master-made instruments themselves, and by familiarizing himself with the diagnostic tools and acoustical research that has become available in the last few decades. He gives credit to his teachers, to the participants and organizers of the Oberlin Violin Makers Workshop, and to the many musicians, colleagues, and friends who have taught and motivated him to express the subtleties of form and tonal character necessary to create fine musical tools for discerning musicians. Though most of his violins and violas are in modern configuration, he also offers instruments in historical set-up for Period performance practice.

The 2023 alto viola in this year's Metzler Exhibition is an invitation to examine the devotion David has to his craft. The comfortable size of this instrument belies its tonal depth, power, and reserve. Typical of his style, the visual character of the tool-work is crisp beneath the warmth and patina of his hand-made varnish.

When not at the bench, David can often be found with a camera in his hand or in the digital darkroom manipulating images.

AME7VA