| Henry
Lockey-Hill, early 19th century, 15 3/8" (391mm) |
A superb and characteristic example of this makers
work. The distinctive maple used is of an exotic type that is a feature of Hill
family work.
Other trademarks are seen too, the masculine and confident edgework, the boxwood
purfling and of course the deliciously glowing honey varnish.
Henry Lockey-Hill was the first member of the renowned family to depart from his
father’s model and take up the Strad pattern. This instrument works surprisingly
well for its size. |
| Steffen Nowak, 1998, 15 1/8"
(385mm) |
This is a good little viola which works well.
Attractive clear red-brown varnish, made with a one piece back of gently quilted
maple. The slightly deeper than normal ribs contribute to the bigger sound than
one might expect from an instrument of otherwise smaller proportions. |
| Delille - after Da Salo. Master
work 15 3/4" (400mm) |
Fine quality tone wood from Bosnia is taken to
Delilles workshop in China where these instruments are made. They then return to
Bruxelles where they are varnished. Delille instruments are very well made and
this model is interesting as it is broad and deep without being too long. This
results in a manageable instrument with a sound of a larger instrument. |
| Simon Peters, 2006, 15 7/8"
(401mm) |
This is a most attractive instrument recently
completed by Simon Peters. Simon is currently fascinated by Neapolitan making of
the Gagliano family. Simon captures many stylistic features very well; from the
wood choice to the varnish everything is well thought out and the result is a
beautiful instrument. |
| Workshop made Testore copy, 16"
(406mm) |
On seeing a customer’s beautifully eccentric
Testore viola, Markus Laine and Simon Peters collaborated to make a really good
copy in my workshop last summer. The result is a charming instrument with its
ribs and scroll of beech wood. It is a fascinating and convincing copy. |
| Good German Viola outfit, circa
1980, 15 1/2" (394mm) |
This is a nice inexpensive smaller viola. It was
made in Germany and I bought it in the white and varnished it myself. It has
since come back in part exchange. |
| Anna Maria Lindemann, 16 5/16"
(415mm) |
This was made by Anna who does repair work for us.
This instrument is inspired by Andrea Amati (the Conte Vitali) and measures
407mm |
| Mittenwald - old |
Good viola from Mittenwald circa 1900, 15 3/8ths |
| Clement and Weise |
Good German viola by Clement and Weise, Bubenreuth,
15 1/2" |
Finally, if you're looking for a specific instrument, or need
some advice before buying, please contact us via our
Contact Us page.
