Violas · Romanian hand-crafted · 12–17 in.
Octav MureșViola
5.0 · 1 reviewAtelier’s Romanian house brand: hand-carved Carpathian spruce, flame maple, genuine ebony and a hand-applied spirit varnish, with a hand-fitted French bridge and full Atelier setup.
Who it’s forStudents moving up from a first instrument, typically after two or three years of lessons, who are ready for a fuller tone and quicker response.
- Set up by Atelier luthiers and play-tested before it ships
- Free insured shipping to the continental U.S., packed by our workshop
- 45-day returns on this instrument · Return policyIf returned, the refund is less our actual outbound shipping cost, even though shipping was free, and any return label we provide.
- Family-owned string specialists since 1979
- Top
- Carpathian spruce
- Back & sides
- Flame maple
- Fittings
- Ebony or boxwood
- Varnish
- Hand-applied spirit
- Bridge
- French, hand-fitted
- Origin
- Romania
- Condition
- New
In detail
Every surface, up close
Study the wood, the varnish and the carving the way you would across the bench. Tap any photo to see it full size.
About this instrument
Built, fitted and set up to play
OCTAV MURES COLLECTION - ROMANIAN HAND-CRAFTED EXCELLENCE
Where Tradition Meets Modern Standards
Named after the historic Romanian region renowned for centuries of instrument-making expertise, the Octav Mures collection represents a collaboration between Atelier for Fine Stringed Instruments and skilled Romanian craftsmen. These instruments embody the rich lutherie tradition of Eastern Europe, built to Atelier's exacting specifications for tone, playability, and craftsmanship.
The Romanian Advantage:
Romania's instrument-making heritage spans over 300 years, with master luthiers passing techniques through generations. The Carpathian Mountains provide exceptional spruce and maple - tonewoods prized for their resonance and aging properties. Octav Mures instruments combine this natural advantage with meticulous hand-craftsmanship and spirit varnish formulas refined over centuries.
Built to Atelier Standards:
We don't simply import and resell. Atelier works directly with the Romanian workshop to ensure each instrument meets our demanding specifications for wood selection, construction quality, and tonal characteristics. Every Octav Mures undergoes rigorous evaluation before earning its place in our collection - instruments that don't meet our standards never reach our showroom or website!
The Perfect Upgrade:
If you or your student has outgrown their beginner instrument and needs something more responsive with a richer tone, the Octav Mures line delivers professional-level performance without professional-level pricing. These instruments respond to nuanced bow control, project clearly in ensemble settings, and reveal the tonal complexity serious students need for auditions and advancing repertoire.
Who They're For:
- Advanced students preparing for district, regional, or all-state auditions
- High school players moving toward college auditions
- Adult players seeking European craftsmanship at accessible prices
- Musicians who've outgrown student instruments but aren't ready for $5,000+ investment
- Players wanting warm, complex tone that rivals instruments at twice the price
Specifications:
- Top: Hand-carved Carpathian spruce, properly aged
- Back & Sides: Premium flame maple
- Fingerboard: Genuine ebony
- Fittings: Ebony or boxwood (depending on model)
- Varnish: Traditional spirit varnish, hand-applied
- Bridge: Premium French bridge, hand-fitted
- Setup: Complete professional setup by Atelier luthiers
The Atelier Guarantee:
Every Octav Mures instrument receives complete professional setup by our talented shop luthiers before leaving our workshop. Bridge fitting, soundpost positioning, fingerboard dressing, string height optimization, and thorough play-testing ensure you receive an instrument performing at its full potential. We handle each instrument with the care and attention it deserves - because craftsmanship demands craftsmanship.
Experience the difference Romanian tradition and Atelier standards make.
Available in violin and viola. Multiple grades to match your budget and performance needs.
Reviews
What owners of this viola are saying
Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 review of this viola. Quotes appear exactly as customers wrote them.
“I am super pleased with this instrument! I actually bought this instrument in-store, so I was able to play and compare against several others in the shop. The staff at Atelier was fantastic, super friendly and knowledgeable. Anyone looking for a very nicely made and setup instrument should seriously consider the Octav Mures!”
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Choosing the right viola is personal
Talk it through with an Atelier specialist by phone or video before you decide: sizing, how it compares with your current instrument, and what to listen for.
Anywhere in the U.S.: ask a string specialist by phone, video or email, at no charge.Near Greenwich, CT: reserve a private in-store appointment to play instruments side by side.
