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Neubau für höchste Ansprüche
Barbara Gschaider is internationally regarded as an expert in crafting violas of exceptional tonal and playing qualities: "Although my official profession is called violin maker, my true passion lies with the viola. Its lyrical, fairy tale tonal character captivates me, and I am fascinated by the unique construction challenges it presents. The viola, unlike the violin or cello, was not originally conceived to function as a solo instrument. This means that historical models must be carefully adapted to meet the demands of modern performance.
As a dedicated amateur violist myself, I am intimately familiar with the tonal nuances and technical challenges that this remarkable instrument presents!"
Overview
Models
We build violas based on a variety of historical models, in different body sizes and with a range of string lengths. Every viola is crafted by hand and finished with our own varnish, prepared according to a traditional Cremonese recipe.
"A dark, sonorous tone is essential to me, combined with excellent carrying power. By carrying power I do not simply mean volume, but the ability of an instrument's sound to project and retain its character in large concert halls and within an ensemble. Across the entire register, the tone remains balanced and warm, even at the highest dynamic levels."
While sharing these tonal qualities, each model has its own distinct character. The Brescian-inspired models produce an especially dark, rich sound, whereas the violas based on Andrea Guarneri's designs are distinguished by their openness and brilliance on the upper strings.
Models & Sizes
| Body size | String length | Variation String length | |
| Andrea Guarneri | 41,6 cm (16⅜″) | 37,5 cm (14¾″) | 37 cm (14⅝″) |
| G.P. Maggini | 41,6 cm (16⅜″) | 35,5 cm (14″) | 36 cm (14⅛″) |
| D. Montagana inspiriert | 40,5 cm (16″) | 36 cm (14⅛″) | 36,5 cm (14⅜″) |
| Andrea Guarneri (small version) | 40,5 cm (16″) | 36,5 cm (14⅜″) | 36 cm (14⅛″) |
| Gasparo da Salo | 39,5 cm (15½″) | 36 cm (14⅛″) | 35,5 cm (14″) |
| D. Montagana (small version) | 38,5 cm (15⅛″) | 35 cm (13¾″) |
Our Viola Models in Detail
Select your preferred size to learn more about our viola models.
Prices & Appointments
Discover Our Violas
You are welcome to try our violas at our workshop in Bonn by appointment.
In addition to our workshop in Bonn, we regularly offer trial appointments in Vienna, Berlin, Paris and London. Contact us for details.
Prices
We offer our violas in two price categories.
Selection – €22,000
The violas in our Selection category have been played for at least six months, allowing their tonal qualities to mature. During this period, each instrument is carefully evaluated and adjusted several times. After its individual character has fully developed is it included in this category.
For the first two years after purchase, we continue to support both the instrument and its player. The purchase is not simply the handover of an instrument, but the beginning of a musical partnership between the viola, the musician and our workshop. During this time, we are happy to carry out tonal adjustments free of charge and, where necessary, make further refinements to the neck, fingerboard and pegs to ensure the instrument is perfectly suited to its new owner.
Atelier – €17,000
The violas in our Atelier series are offered after only a short playing-in period. They are fully set up and ready to play, while continuing to develop their tonal potential through regular use. During the first two years after purchase, we are happy to support this process with two tonal adjustments if desired.
Please Note
Both categories are crafted in the same way and share the same uncompromising tonal standards. The difference lies in the stage at which the instrument is offered and the extent of its
tonal development. The option to return an instrument is available exclusively for violas in the Selection category.