"While plugged in, the Rudoulf Doetsch+ 701 5-string viola keeps the natural warmth of a traditional viola while adding edge and a whole new dimension of musical possibilities. The fifth string allows the viola access to the violin register, resulting in a highly versatile instrument. Rudoulf Doetsch instruments are handcrafted by our master luthiers and are hailed by teachers and performers as some of America's best German tonewood instruments. They feature a highly select spruce top with maple back, sides and scrolls, and a hand applied antique-style, multi-layer spirit varnish. The result is an instrument that is professional in both appearance and sound. Rudoulf Doetsch violins, violas, and cellos provide famous quality at a modest price. These instruments are crafted from aged European tonewoods and are varnished by hand in the Eastman workshop. The unique pickup system is embedded into the spruce top of the instrument before varnishing with no disturbance to the bridge. Our proprietary 3.5 mm jack is used as the end button on the violins and violas making it unnoticeable. Each Series+ instrument comes with a lightweight, low-profile cable that provides a seamless connection to your amplifier or individual playing setup, making this the easiest and most comfortable design to “plug in” on the market. "