Steffen Nowak, Maker of fine Violins, Violas and Cellos in baroque and modern style
2010 Viola after Gasparo da Salo 16 5/8'' (423mm). SOLD
Inspired by the recently sold ex. 'Leon Barzin and David Kates' Gasparo da Salo. A rare original to come onto the auction market and sold by Christies New York for $542,500 in April 2010. With a back length of 17 3/8 in. (441 mm) this Viola has escaped the mainly 19th. century habit of reducing these wonderful tenors in size.
Taking the general proportions of the original I decided on a manageable
back length of 16 5/8'' with a string length of 376mm. In keeping with Da Salos' style and working methods the carved finish on this Viola shows a lot of natural tool marks and textures, further highlighted by the subtle natural unpolished varnish texture. Rather then over antiquing the surface I like a subtle shading, giving a warm mellow look and allowing for natural future wear. The sound is
warm with an easy response and rich bass. |
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Do you want to try this instrument or have any questions? e-mail me here