1994 Shen 4/4 16" Viola & Sofian Zapf Bow

Per its original receipt in the case, this is a 1994, Shen-made viola with a 16" scale length and full-size body (as far as I can tell -- I'm a little murky with viola sizing) and it's in top-top condition. It comes with a nice, '60s/'70s-era Sofian Zapf bow (he was a US maker of fine bows and they're often listed around $700-800 at violin shops) that's also in excellent shape.

My guy Andy did a setup and adjustments to it and it's playing spot-on and ready to serve. This one is built to a higher quality level than the "student level" Shens in production right now and it seems like it's more comparable to their current $1500-or-so models.

It's almost "as-new" and appears to have been kept very well. There's nice figure to the back and sides maple and the top is close-grain, well-carved spruce. It has a rich, full, clean sound that doesn't get woofy like some violas and each string sits in its own spot nicely.

It comes with a good case and all sorts of goodies. I've pictured everything -- the original sales receipt from a bowed shop, the shoulder rest, the bow, some rosin, and a humidifier.

Repairs included: setup adjustments, bridge tweaking, soundpost adjustments.

Weight: 1 lb 7 oz

Scale length: 16"

Nut width: 15/16"

Body length: 16"

Body width: 9 1/4"

Body depth: 1 7/8"

Top wood: solid spruce

Back & sides wood: solid flamed maple

Bridge: maple

Fingerboard: ebony

Neck wood: maple

String height: classical
Strings: unsure, I think synthetic core

Neck shape: slim-medium C

Neck relief: straight

Condition notes: aside from the very tiniest nicks to the edges and mild playwear, it's very, very clean, free of cracks, and ready to go.

It comes with: its original case, the Sofian Zapf bow, a shoulder rest, rosin, and humidifier.

Consignment tag: LCL