The viola today finds itself in a not dissimilar position to that of the violin of the period c.1650 to c.1750. During this ‘golden age’ the violin consort was adapted and developed in direct response to changing musical styles as the true polyphonic potential of the group began to be recognised. The current challenge for contemporary Luthiers is to now produce a contralto instrument which will truly represent the middle voice that separates the soprano from the bass.

“Modern viola design should, whilst maintaining the unity of form of the traditional violin family, respond to the demands of  the player engaged in today’s performance environment.”

I offer violas broadly in the range 16 inch to 17½ inch, that aim to address an individual’s particular preferences and requirements. The model is conceived from basic harmonic proportion, the vibrating string of the instrument central to the design. Built to achieve a responsive instrument that is both acoustically and aesthetically rewarding, these instruments maintain the continuity of form found in the traditional violin group. Timbre will naturally change from one size to the next, but the playing characteristic and overall quality of sound production should extend fully across the range, as each viola shares the same acoustical principals. The concept of this design is for a cohesive group of violas, rather than varying individual patterns.  I endeavour to produce a contemporary group of violas that naturally respond to the needs of today’s professional player, offering a choice of both size and voice.