Looking Ahead

I love the rich viola sound. It seems to me a natural sound, an intriguing sound. In violas, the choice of materials and the size and shape are traditionally more varied and free, with interesting results. For me this diversity works well and allows for more exploration of materials and styles.

I’ve recently been making violas with backs of willow and birch rather than the usual maple. The success of these has inspired trials of other less common woods. Local Butternut- and Cherry-backed violas are in the works and I am considering trying other woods in future violas. Using these lighter woods gives the violas an easier response and a dark, warm tone color, expanding the range and variety of violas I am able to offer.

During the past year I had the good fortune to explore a viola model new to me: a Matteo Gofriller, in the possession of Karen Ritscher. In contrast to the Ceruti and Storioni models I frequently use, with their narrow shape and high cylindrical arch, the Gofriller pattern is quite broad. The resulting instrument is slightly dark, with more substance and resistance than my previous work. I've finished two violas on this pattern. One has a White Birch back, the other a standard Maple back, and there is one with a Cherry back near completion.

The Gasparo da Salò pattern that I have worked with frequently over the years gives a darker, woodier sound than the others. In form it has fuller arching and thinner graduation. I have used this pattern for some large violas, 17” and up, with good results. I have in the shop a new 16” and a 16.25” on this pattern and on the bench a 15.25” birch back viola.