Viola specification

For any given size, of  many existing violas, a difference of the relative string lengths is often apparent. This causes considerable variability in the actual playing size and feel of violas that are of a similar body length.

To enable players to compare the characteristics of other viola set ups with my own I have included here the essential relative dimensions of string length to body length.

As I have always maintained, the ratio of the stop length, [the distance from the middle of the f holes where the bridge is placed to the upper edge of the viola at the neck root], to the neck length, [the distance from the same upper edge of the viola to the nut position that marks the limit of the vibrating string], should always be at a ratio of 2:3, as is the case with the violin. Although this ratio is a relatively modern convention, it is one that has been accepted by players and makers over the past century or more, and if ignored can cause many difficult innotation problems.  Unfortunately, many viola set ups do not adhere to this fundamental balance of stop: neck length, resulting in a wide variation of final string lengths for any particular body size, or over long stop lengths combined with variable neck lengths, as is the case with many older instruments which may have been changed considerably from their original dimensions over the years. This peculiarity alone  presents a particular pit fall for the modern maker that relies on copying such models. The result is that for many existing violas, of apparently similar size, differences in the relative string lengths is often apparent, this causes considerable variability in the actual playing size and feel of violas that are of a similar body length.

One of the aims in establishing my own workshop pattern is that within my own group of instruments an increase of the body length is associated with a relative increase in string length. Also, the string length adopted for each of my violas is in very good balance with its relative body size in order to produce an exceptionally dynamically balanced instrument. It is hoped the basic string dimension set out here may serve as an aid to players wishing to make comparisons between their own and my viola models.

Body size:        Free vibrating string length measured between the bridge and the nut:

All measurements to nearest mm

15 ¾ in., [40.0cm]                                  35.9 cm
16 in.,     [40.6cm]                                  36.5 cm
16 ¼ in., [41.3cm]                                  37.0 cm
16 ½ in., [41.9cm]                                  37.6 cm
16 ¾ in., [42.5cm]                                  38.1 cm
17 in.,     [43.2cm]                                  38.8 cm
17 ¼ in,  [43.8cm]                                  39.3 cm
17 ½ in., [44.5cm]                                  39.8 cm
  

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