This viola is a commission from a student at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. She has the original Betts viola on loan from the Benslow Loan Scheme and it suits her physically very well, so we decided just to make a viola based on that, rather than one of my usual models. John Betts was one of the foremost English makers of his time, working in London. He is especially known for his violas; which were a speciality in general of English makers at that time. It's a lovely … [Read more...]
Archives for June 2022
334_15 inch two-cornered viola 2022
This is one of the standard models I make for rental; it's the perfect size for teenagers before they are ready for their forever viola. I'm making this one for my rental scheme, and it is already destined for a young player who has been happily using one of my 14 1/4 inch cornerless violas for the last two years. I've chosen some unusual maple for the back with several knots in the lower bouts; it will look really distinctive on the finished instrument. The front is from a nice piece of … [Read more...]
