About Violas

The workshop produces various models of viola, in a variety of sizes, mainly based on those of Gasparo da Salò, whose instruments are renowned for their wonderful, penetrating sound.

The images below show our small viola to the model of a Gasparo da Salò, c.1580. This is not a cut-down larger viola, but an original 15.5″ (395mm) instrument that has the feel and sound of a larger viola. It also has double purfling and the typical Gasparo cloverleaf decoration on the back. This viola, no, 65, was made in 2004, and has been in professional use ever since.

The original instrument itself was featured in the Strad magazine in December 1999.

I currently have one viola of this model for sale, viola no.128, built 2020. It has a beautiful and open tone that carries well.

Development of a medium size viola in Gasparo’s style

Gasparo da Salò violas are generally very large (17″+ / 432mm+), with the exception of the small instrument copied by the workshop. There are no in-between size violas made by Gasparo, but following requests for a medium size viola, the workshop has developed a 16 3/16th”, 412mm instrument in the style of Gasparo da Salò. The tone of these instruments is exceptional both in power and quality.