VIOLAS - RANGE ABOVE $5000
Violas ranging above $5000 are typically reserved for professional musicians or serious enthusiasts who demand the highest quality in tone and craftsmanship. These instruments often feature premium woods, expertly hand-carved by skilled luthiers, and are meticulously crafted to produce a rich, nuanced sound. Fine violas may feature exceptional tonal characteristics, projected sound, and increased playability, making them a worthwhile investment for experienced players. Instruments of this caliber are typically sought after for the depth of sound they produce, and for the elevated level of precision that they offer to the performer. While they require a significant financial investment, high-end violas almost always provide a superior playing experience.
V. Richelieu Violins & Violas
We enjoy building a diversity of models using a range of woods that give players a broad choice of sound and color.
EXPLORE PURCHASE & RENTAL OPTIONS
With every instrument we make, we pour in our hearts because for us, it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference. Every new instrument we make is the next step of our journey towards becoming the best version of ourselves, for you. With each product we sell or rent, we add a little hope and a lot of affection. Each instrument is carefully crafted by our luthiers, personalized by us, and proudly made in the USA.
Through dynamic purchase plans that include long-term financing, and rent with ownership programs, we join with our partners to make professional quality V. Richelieu instruments accessible and affordable.
Please note that this is not necessarily a complete list of all the violas we have in stock. If you are interested in a specific price range, please email kathy@vermontviolins.com or call (802) 862-0349 or set up an appointment.
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN STORE
STEVE MCCANN VIOLA
Viola by Steve McCann of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
After a study of violin making with Carleen Hutchins and Karl Roy, Mr. McCann went to work building his skills with the Kschier Brothers, Guarneri House and the prestigious house of Bein and Fushi. He is a fine maker of violins, violas and celli and his models borrow from, but do not strictly copy, the Italian masters. Rather than keep strictly to the patterns, his interest is in creating instruments that are outsized in sound for their size while adjusting to make them easier to play. Ease of play to achieve greater tonal response - a great task if it can be done. And in this viola it HAS been done!
The body, 16 3/8" is large, but it has a shorter string length than standard making the stops and the arm extension far easier. This particular instrument also sounds amazing - as proven by its Certificate For Tone awarded to it at the 2014 Violin Society of America global makers' competition.
Call us at 802 862 0349 for pricing.
HELMUTH O KELLER
Helmuth Keller is from one of the famed Philadelphia families of violin makers. Son-in-law of Martin Nebel – who worked for Wurlitzer in New York and then opened his own shop in Philadelphia – Keller came to Philadelphia from Germany after the Second World War to work for William Moennig & Son. In the early 1960s, he opened his own business which continues under his son, Stephen Keller.
The Helmuth O Keller & Son Viola showcases the legacy of the Keller family's lutherie expertise. With meticulous craftsmanship, this viola offers musicians a harmonious blend of rich tonal resonance and refined design, embodying a tradition of excellence passed down through generations of skilled instrument makers.
Call us at 802 862 0349 for pricing.
JONATHAN COOPER VIOLA
With almost three decades of violin making under his belt, Jonathan Cooper has been making violins for the world’s top players blending traditional violin making with a modern appreciation of tone that manifests into a violin of exquisite beauty. Drawing from his own experience as a champion fiddler, Jonathan works from his heart and endows each instrument with a tone that has brightened the halls of traditional music and classical players. Jonathan was trained at the Cremona School of Violin Making (Italy) and brings his craft to his small workshop overlooking Presumpscot Pond in Maine.This viola, 16” is a perfect example of his work. Warm, rich in tone with a supported C string that livens the Alto experience with fullness of voice that captures the essence of the viola sound. This viola was played by the original owner for many years. Cooper instruments are a delight for the ears and a fine investment as well.
Call us at 802 862 0349 for pricing.
CARRIE SCOGGINS VIOLA
Carrie Scoggins is a well-respected member of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers and the Violin Society of America. She attended the Salt Lake City, Utah Violin Making School of America. She continued at the school until 1984 teaching varnish and set-up. In 1988, she and her husband opened their shop in Salt Lake City. She currently focuses only on the building of her own instruments.
This viola is crafted with dedication and precision, offering musicians an exceptional blend of tonal richness and artistic flair, reflecting her commitment to producing instruments of outstanding quality and playability.
Call us at 802 862 0349 for pricing.
PIERGIUSEPPE ESPOSTI VIOLA (SOLD)
Born in Cremona in 1952, Piergiuseppe Esposti studied at the International School of Violin Making, graduating in 1971. Piergiuseppe Esposti’s work represents the high quality of the new Cremonese tradition that evolved after WWII. He studied with two of the most influential Italian makers of the early and mid 1900s – Francesco Bissolotti and Pietro Sgarabotto– before setting up his own workshop in 1972. This viola, built in 1973 just after opening his own workshop, has a resonant, deep voice that responds quickly. It was played for many years by a professional violist in New York. It would be a good instrument for a young professional violist who is teaching and playing actively in an orchestra or chamber music environment.
Call us at 802 862 0349 for pricing.
DAVID DOUCET VIOLA
David Doucet grew up in a woodworking environment, his Dad was a carpenter. His love of music ranges from accordian to rock guitar to the violin. His passion for the violin led him to an apprenticeship in a violin shop and eventually a job in the Rafael Carraba violin shop in Seattle. David made instruments out of his personal workshop in Port Townsend, Washington, including this viola which was purchased by a professional player from Carraba’s Violin Shop. This 16 ½” viola has a beautiful, deep voice. The viola responds well into the upper positions and carries well in a quartet setting. We recommend this instrument for a conservatory or music major, or as a second instrument for a professional player.
Call us at 802 862 0349 for pricing.
GIOVANNI BATTA MORASSI VIOLA
Giovanni Battista Morassi was one of Italy’s most influential contemporary violin makers. He was born near Udine in 1934. His family was traditionally lumberjack & wood carvers and Giovanni attended woodworking school. Interested in violin making, he went on to win a scholarship to the Cremona International Violin Making School from 1951 to 1955. He came back to the school as an assistant teacher to Sgarabotto in the late 1950s, eventually becoming Maestro Lutao in 1971. The flowing lines of his Milanese style of making were developed from his time with Ornati & Garimberti and have been passed onto his students from the Cremona school. This particular viola has a beautiful, sonorous voice and represents the classical Cremonese school of violin-making he helped establish.
Call us at 802 862 0349 for pricing.
Unveiling the Da Salo Model Viola: Where Timeless Elegance Meets Unrivaled Sound
This viola has a 15.5” back seam, but a string length of a 15” viola….creating a larger sound on a viola scale that is exceptionally easy to manage!
The Da Salo Model Viola is a masterpiece of craftsmanship that pays homage to the legendary Italian viol maker, Gasparo da Salo. Impeccably designed and meticulously constructed, this extraordinary instrument embodies the essence of classical beauty while delivering an unparalleled musical experience.
Immerse yourself in the rich tones and captivating resonance of the Da Salo Model Viola. Each instrument is meticulously handcrafted by master luthiers who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their art. Every detail, from the selection of the finest tonewoods to the precision carving and shaping of the instrument, has been thoughtfully considered to ensure exceptional playability and tonal quality.
The Da Salo Model Viola stands as a testament to the timeless traditions of Italian violin-making. Inspired by the legendary Gasparo da Salo, an iconic figure in the history of stringed instruments, this model captures the essence of his legendary craftsmanship. The Da Salo Model Viola carries forward the tradition with a blend of authenticity and innovation, fusing centuries-old techniques with modern advancements in instrument construction.
Crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, each Da Salo Model Viola is an individual work of art. The top is made from carefully selected spruce, while the back, sides, and scroll are hand-carved from premium maple. The varnish, meticulously applied by hand, enhances both the instrument's visual appeal and tonal characteristics, allowing for a well-rounded and expressive sound.
The Da Salo Model Viola is not only visually stunning but also offers exceptional playability and responsiveness. Its balanced tonal palette provides a wide range of expressive possibilities, allowing musicians to explore their creativity and convey emotions through their music. From the warm and sonorous lower register to the vibrant and singing upper register, this instrument exhibits remarkable versatility and projection.
Whether you are a professional musician, a dedicated student, or an avid collector, the Da Salo Model Viola is a true treasure that deserves a special place in your musical journey. It embodies the soul of centuries of violin-making tradition while embracing the needs of contemporary players. Experience the beauty and power of this remarkable instrument and discover a new world of musical possibilities.
Embrace the legacy of Gasparo da Salo and let the Da Salo Model Viola elevate your musical expression to new heights. Prepare to embark on a journey of sound and immerse yourself in the captivating allure of this extraordinary instrument.
Trained by his father, Janos Bador Sr, the younger Janos Bador established himself in Philadelphia, PA in 1956. Originally from Hungary, he brought a legacy of instrument making to America and joined his father in the employment of Moennig and Sons where he received high acclaim for his work which displays a mastery of wood selection and personal style that captures an exacting copyist detail of Italian masters, captured with exquisite colorful presentation. While his early career earned accolades for all instruments, his later, post 1990, career focused on violins and violas. Janos Bodor retired from making in 2022.
This viola, built in 2017, is an excellent representation of his later work, mature in his style and presentation. The ruddy color patina offers a brilliant presentation that matches the strong, outbound sound peaked with rich harmonics, even throughout and strong on the C-String. The large form, 16.5", offers a powerful sound, without woody undertone. A performer's viola, outstanding for anyone in love with the alto voice!
The JB Collin-Mézin Viola showcases the expertise of renowned French luthier J.B. Collin-Mézin. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these violas are esteemed for their exquisite tonal characteristics and elegant design, reflecting a legacy of craftsmanship that has left a significant mark on the world of string instruments.
V. RICHELIEU BY VERMONT VIOLINS
Our exclusive brand V. RICHELIEU™ by Vermont Violins offers handcrafted Violins & Violas made in Vermont by expert luthiers combining over 80 years of experience. Options available for Rent or Purchase.