A Stradivari inspired viola
This instrument was built for an incredibly talented young viola player, who also happens to play one of my violins! It was a real treat to meet him and to be a part of his growth as a musician. A viola comes together just like a violin….but bigger. The depth of sound that comes from this larger instrument is so satisfying. This one was built from local Big Leaf Maple and a Sitka spruce top.
We collaborated on f-hole design, blending several makers styles to create a look that was unique and elegant.
I was given the freedom to varnish in a process that I call “letting the colour unfold”. This is where I start layering and see where it takes me. Because I varnish using spirit varnish, it takes lots of very thin layers to get enough varnish on the instrument. So things can develop in different ways, and it is really fun to see where the layers will go. Sticking with a less intense colour palette allowed the wood to really shine through, and I’m very pleased with the end result.
