Violin maker's blog

This is my viola no. 103. It is the first one I have made with a Poplar back.  The back has a beautiful light, irregular figure, with matching sides, and the front is of Alpine Spruce with marked Hazel figuring.  The whole appearance is stunning.

The viola was finished in December, and sold to a very happy new owner in early January.

The model for the viola is taken from a Gasparo da Salo design, and I have kept the original eccentric outline.  Like almost all Italian instruments, the treble side shoulder is slightly less curved then the bass side. It is not known why this is the case, but it does help with playing in the upper positions, so could well be the reason for the practice. Back length 16 Inches, 406 mm.

I am now making a similar viola, no 105, from matching wood from the same trees, which should be available in February.  I will post photos in another blog.

Viola no 104 is a Gasparo da Salo "Kievman" c. 1580 model. It is just finished.  Back length 398mm.

For any further details, please contact me:  ward@wardviolins.com    or  tel : 01763 852 377