Zoe Tosteson Losada
2022/07/16, 03:47 PM
I am indeed fortunate to have found Nicolai Tambovsky, a world class luthier, working in West Palm Beach-- and I would travel much farther the 20 minute drive from my house to have him work on my 250 year old viola!
I had taken both my violas to Mr. Tambovsky for cleaning and small repairs, but this time my antique, German viola had two serious cracks, one below rhe fingerboard and the other parallel to the first. I had carelessly put the viola in its case without removing the shoulder pad, which apparently caused enough pressure on the surface of the viola to caused the cracks.
I honestly despaired of a good outcome for this repair, but Mr. Tambovsky demonstrated again his expertise and knowledge. My viola is better than new (well, as new as a 250 year old can be!) And the repairs are not noticeable.
I am deeply grateful to Mr. Tambovsky. I must add that in addition to his expertise as a luthier, Mr. Tambovsky is an extremely kind and respectful person with a great deal of knowledge about string instruments due to his career and exceptional training as a violinist.