This viola is the second viola I made in 2001, and the first of two on which I tried different experiments that culminated in the design of viola #116. The principal efforts on this model were to lighten the weight at the pegbox and scroll and to make the shoulders a bit more rounded for ease of playing in higher positions. I had mixed results. The peg box is lighter because it is unusually narrow, but this makes a tight fit when getting strings into the peg holes. It's nothing fatal, but it was enough to make me keep the instrument off the market until now. Consequently, I am offering this instrument at a reduced price and in new condition.

Very fine and well-aged materials were used to construct viola #114. The spruce and maple are both European and came from the private stock of my teacher, Karl Roy, who cut the trees himself around 1947. Therefore, the wood was already over 50 years old when it was made into this viola. The blocks and liners comprising the structural components are American weeping willow and had seasoned over 20 years before use.

The acoustic results surprised me. The character of this instrument is much more alto than contralto. It is the opposite of dark, with a sweet, singing top string that would make it well-suited for solo work. It would also fit well into orchestral sections where it would add clarity and definition to the overall sound. That said, it does not lack on the C-string for a viola of this size.

I am always open to suggestions about your particular needs. Please contact me by email if you are interested in further discussions about this viola or would like to tell me about your special requirements.

See other small violas I have for sale:

viola #116
viola #115

Last updated September 28, 2008.