Jesse Maschmeyer, a luthier at Reuning & Son Violins, trained in Parma, Italy. Even as he handles a full schedule of fine instrument restoration, Jesse has been able to create his own instruments, which have proven popular due to their high level of classical Italian craftsmanship and refined tone.
This instrument was inspired by the violas of the great Milanese maker Pietro Giovanni Mantegazza. Instead of the typical maple back, ribs, and scroll, Maschmeyer used willow for the back and ribs and walnut for the scroll, which was not an uncommon practice during Mantegazza’s time in Northern Italy. The willow allows for a lighter-weight instrument that still boasts a full, rich tone.
