Custom Strings

This is the first of a new model I've been designing. A 15 3/4" Viola (400mm), slightly smaller and with a little wider bouts and deeper arching. The challenge of crafting rich, warm sounding violas was what got me into luthiery back in the 80's. Making a good sounding viola is like trying to make a 1/2 sized violin that sounds like a full-sized violin. Usually the modeling I use is 16 3/8" (416mm), but a customer and her professional instructor requested a smaller scale length and I do love a challenge.

The dogs have learned how to play! Like we always say… it’s never too late and anyone can learn!!