3 replies to this topic

[Ludwig]

I posted this before and got no responses, so here we go again:

Anyone know where I can get a commercially made large viola (17" or larger)?

It seems all the very large violas I've found are too fine for me to be able to afford..... There are plenty of affordable 16.5" instruments out there, but I
have yet to find a larger one that I can afford...

Any help would be appreciated....

Follow Ups:

[Billee]

We have a Maggini model viola by Helmuth Ellersieck which is 17 1/8". I don't know the reasons why you want such a large viola (your size, hand size, sound) but I would suggest to be more concerned with string length. If your hand size allows you to play a large viola, maybe a viola which is a bit smaller (16 3/4 or 7/8)with a longer string length (14 7/8 to 15 1/4)would give you the extra sound which you are looking for without the liabilities of a 17+" instrument.

: I posted this before and got no responses, so here we go again:

: Anyone know where I can get a commercially made large viola (17" or larger)?

: It seems all the very large violas I've found are too fine for me to be able to afford..... There are plenty of affordable 16.5" instruments out there, but I
: have yet to find a larger one that I can afford...

: Any help would be appreciated....

: Follow Ups:

[Ludwig]

When you say "we have a Maggini model viola..." do you mean you have one for sale? If so, how much are you asking?

[ds]

There was a dealer, Dan Lawrence, who had a 17 3/8 instrument made in Chech. for about 1500.00 (i think) I dont know if he still has it and I couldnt get to his web page. There was a 17 inch Conrad Gotz instrument on Ebay a few times, I dont know if it sold and ebay is always a risk. You may be able to get a 17 inch gliga-that would probably be a very good instrument.

When I started out I was looking for a 17+ instrument too, but ended up settling on a 16 3/4 which is a very nice instrument and better than any of the cheaper 17 inch instruments I have seen since.

There is nothing better sounding than the old big violas. My favorite is Walter Tramplers 17.5 inch Amati (anyone know who is playing that now?).

Eventually I will probably get a nice large viola but will probably have it custom made by someone who has done a few of these before.

Anyway, this is a topic that I have been over for years and years, If you want to discuss it more feel free to email me.
DS

: I posted this before and got no responses, so here we go again:

: Anyone know where I can get a commercially made large viola (17" or larger)?

: It seems all the very large violas I've found are too fine for me to be able to afford..... There are plenty of affordable 16.5" instruments out there, but I
: have yet to find a larger one that I can afford...

: Any help would be appreciated....

: Follow Ups: