Jaime Gabriel González 15 1/2" viola, Boston, 2026 | Metzler Violins
projecting, clear, bright
About the Instrument
This viola has a beautiful and strong sound, making it an excellent instrument for someone who is looking for a smaller instrument without sacrificing power. It has a subtle figure across its single-piece maple back, with the flames ascending from the treble side. More distinct flames run along its ribs, neck, and scroll. The viola’s auburn varnish is over a golden ground, thoughtfully antiqued and shaded by the maker.
Interior label reads: “Jaime Gabriel González / a Boston an. 2026” with a red wax seal bearing the maker's initials
Length: 393 mm
Upper Bouts: 187 mm
Middle: 122 mm
Lower Bouts: 230 mm
About the Maker
Jaime Gabriel González is a contemporary Mexican luthier based in Watertown, Massachusetts. After graduating with honors from the Escuela de Laudería in Querétaro, Mexico, González opened his own workshop in Guadalajara. In 2017, he enrolled in a class focusing on antique varnishing and retouching taught by the master luthier Pablo Alfaro. This class lead to a deepening of his craft, quickly leading to his involvement in events from the Violin Society of America, Oberlin Restoration Workshops, Southern Violin Association Spring Workshops, and Learning Trade Secrets. Three years later, González moved to the United States, initially in a rental shop in Houston, Texas before joining the distinguished atelier Carriage House Violins two years later where he focused primarily on instrument restoration. González has earned accolades for his instruments, including Gold Medals for Violin and Viola Workmanship and a Silver Medal for Viola Tone. He also received an Hors Concours from the Southern Violin Assocation Competition as well as the Bill Barnitz Award at the Violin Makers Association of Arizona International Competition. González also collaborated with his former instructor, Pablo Alfaro, on a quartet for a Violin Society of America Competition.
Description
projecting, clear, bright
About the Instrument
This viola has a beautiful and strong sound, making it an excellent instrument for someone who is looking for a smaller instrument without sacrificing power. It has a subtle figure across its single-piece maple back, with the flames ascending from the treble side. More distinct flames run along its ribs, neck, and scroll. The viola’s auburn varnish is over a golden ground, thoughtfully antiqued and shaded by the maker.
Interior label reads: “Jaime Gabriel González / a Boston an. 2026” with a red wax seal bearing the maker's initials
Length: 393 mm
Upper Bouts: 187 mm
Middle: 122 mm
Lower Bouts: 230 mm
About the Maker
Jaime Gabriel González is a contemporary Mexican luthier based in Watertown, Massachusetts. After graduating with honors from the Escuela de Laudería in Querétaro, Mexico, González opened his own workshop in Guadalajara. In 2017, he enrolled in a class focusing on antique varnishing and retouching taught by the master luthier Pablo Alfaro. This class lead to a deepening of his craft, quickly leading to his involvement in events from the Violin Society of America, Oberlin Restoration Workshops, Southern Violin Association Spring Workshops, and Learning Trade Secrets. Three years later, González moved to the United States, initially in a rental shop in Houston, Texas before joining the distinguished atelier Carriage House Violins two years later where he focused primarily on instrument restoration. González has earned accolades for his instruments, including Gold Medals for Violin and Viola Workmanship and a Silver Medal for Viola Tone. He also received an Hors Concours from the Southern Violin Assocation Competition as well as the Bill Barnitz Award at the Violin Makers Association of Arizona International Competition. González also collaborated with his former instructor, Pablo Alfaro, on a quartet for a Violin Society of America Competition.
