Violas are probably my favourite instrument to make. My preferred design is based on an old Brescian viola by Gasparo Da Salo. The original, which I measured, had been cut down from a larger instrument. This gives me the artistic licence to make it in various sizes. I maintain the centre section and enlarge the upper and lower bouts to give the desired body length. I have made violas using this principle ranging from 396mm to 420mm. In keeping with the traditional Bresian design these violas have a relatively short string length for the size of the body which makes them very comfortable to play. I am always happy to consider making other models.
