VIOLAS

Two Brescian Models and One Guadagnini Model

I do not make large violas. It is a myth that only large violas can have a great “viola” sound. The physical strain and potential injury that working musicians can suffer as a consequence of playing them simply isn’t worth that little bit of darkness the extra size may add. So if you are not six foot tall with long arms, and a great many fine Violists are not, then you can rejoice in the fact that all modern makers worth paying attention to are focusing on smaller instruments. Below, I can offer you three options, all test driven by excellent players, all passed with flying colors.

SMALL BRESCIAN MODEL VIOLA

This is the smallest of the viola models I build. It is inspired by the work of the Brescian maker Gasparo daSalo. The overall length is 15 1/2″ (394 mm). It surprised and delighted everyone who played it with it’s big dark voice and it’s easy playing qualities.

The string length is 14 1/16″ ( 358 mm)

Jeremy Kienbaum

“I really enjoy it’s well rounded tone and ease of playing in the high and low registers. I believe it is a wonderful sounding instrument and one of the best sounding violas I have played in that price range.”

” LARGE ” BRESCIAN MODEL VIOLA

I have large in quotes because the overall length of this viola model is only 16″ (408 mm). Inspired, as above , by the work of daSalo. It is still very easy to get around on. The sound is rich and big and is always a surprise to those who pick it up and lay a bow to it.

The string length is 14 9/16″ ( 369 mm )

KK, Tokyo Japan

“Your viola that I purchased three years ago continues to play marvelously; it had such a rich, quintessential viola tone when I bought it, and has developed even more over time.”

GUADAGNINI MODEL VIOLA

All of my early viola projects were inspired by the work of the brescian makers. So like most guys I was curious to try something different. This small G.B. Guadagnini model had intrigued me since first seeing it in a Strad Magazine poster. After building my second viola of this type I showed it to Matt Michelic at Lawrence Conservatory. His report was that it sounded a lot like the real Guadagnini violas he had played, “with a good solid C string, a clear Italian sweetness on the upper three strings and great projection. ”

The overall length is 15 3/4″ (401 mm)

The string length is 14 3/8″ ( 365 mm)

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