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musical instrument details
~ A FINE VINTAGE VIOLA ~
Estimated price for orientation: 3 500 $
Category: Violas
Class:
Description Exact Year: 1912 Country/Region of Manufacture: Unknown Model: Stradivari with original aspects
This is a fantastic vintage viola. Sometimes friends ask me to sell instruments on their behalf. I have seen, listened to and played some very good violas and this one 'cuts the cake'. I believe it is an exceptional sounding instrument in good original condition. New strings are required, and it is recommended that you make subtle adjustments and a new set up. The viola is labelled - and possibly made by - Guiseppe Rossi, a noted Italian maker - born Florence 1869 & died in Rome 1954 - whose instruments are well sought after. It was made in 1912 while Rossi was in Rome. An Italian family member was given this viola about 25 years ago, a gift from a relative living in Rome. "At the beginning of his nearly 60 years in Italy, Joseph spent three months working in the atelier of a violin-maker in Cremona, and between 1946 and the early 1950s he bought violins, violas, cellos and mandolins, at street stalls or from private citizens selling their valuables in the difficult postwar years, amassing at one time a collection of over 50 instruments, some of good quality" pp. 262, 263.Joseph gifted this viola to his great nephew, who played briefly. It was then consigned to the cupboard for many years. I have further provenance details for a new owner, a story of the collector from a published book. I will send a copy for the new owner.This viola is currently set up with old strings, unchanged for more than 20 years, and I guess the bridge , sound post and tailpiece should also be changed. The tone however, is exceptional; dark and projecting, mellow, cutting juicy, with the right touch of attractive brightness when required. The balance and overtones on all strings is simply amazing.The nuances possible when played by a good player are remarkable. The varnish is a golden red/ orange/brown. I note that it is thought the maker studied with the Venetian maker Degani, so I was excited to note an almost glowing Venetian reddish varnish in the Auckland morning sunlight today. Condition wise I note a non significant hairline split or scratch from the top of the bass side sound hole measuring approximately 9.5 cm. It appears to have been glued and very firm. For aesthetic consideration and a more beautiful presentation, the varnish will require a touch up on the treble side where the bow used to rest resulting in wear, and also on the back where you can see some scuffing and non matching colour touch up. Again, this is not crucial and can be corrected easily; the viola is playable as is, If you wish I can arrange adjustments before dispatch post auction; we can discuss. The scroll is grafted. Measurements are: Length of back 40 cm, lower bout 23.2 cm, middle bout,12.7 cm, upper bout 18. 8 cm (approximate).I believe this viola will suit a soloist, chamber musician or orchestral leader. It is a fantastic instrument. The measurements are perfect, the size and model allow an exquisite ease of playing. I found an auction sales result from 1996 for a Rossi viola, and note the price then was $6753 US. These are sought after and valuable. Please read my feedback, you will be satisfied with a wonderful viola at a reasonable price.Item is as described and as seen in the pics. Thank you ~
Description
| Exact Year: | 1912 | Country/Region of Manufacture: | Unknown |
| Model: | Stradivari with original aspects |
This is a fantastic vintage viola. Sometimes friends ask me to sell instruments on their behalf. I have seen, listened to and played some very good violas and this one 'cuts the cake'. I believe it is an exceptional sounding instrument in good original condition. New strings are required, and it is recommended that you make subtle adjustments and a new set up. The viola is labelled - and possibly made by - Guiseppe Rossi, a noted Italian maker - born Florence 1869 & died in Rome 1954 - whose instruments are well sought after. It was made in 1912 while Rossi was in Rome. An Italian family member was given this viola about 25 years ago, a gift from a relative living in Rome. "At the beginning of his nearly 60 years in Italy, Joseph spent three months working in the atelier of a violin-maker in Cremona, and between 1946 and the early 1950s he bought violins, violas, cellos and mandolins, at street stalls or from private citizens selling their valuables in the difficult postwar years, amassing at one time a collection of over 50 instruments, some of good quality" pp. 262, 263.Joseph gifted this viola to his great nephew, who played briefly. It was then consigned to the cupboard for many years. I have further provenance details for a new owner, a story of the collector from a published book. I will send a copy for the new owner.This viola is currently set up with old strings, unchanged for more than 20 years, and I guess the bridge , sound post and tailpiece should also be changed. The tone however, is exceptional; dark and projecting, mellow, cutting juicy, with the right touch of attractive brightness when required. The balance and overtones on all strings is simply amazing.The nuances possible when played by a good player are remarkable. The varnish is a golden red/ orange/brown. I note that it is thought the maker studied with the Venetian maker Degani, so I was excited to note an almost glowing Venetian reddish varnish in the Auckland morning sunlight today. Condition wise I note a non significant hairline split or scratch from the top of the bass side sound hole measuring approximately 9.5 cm. It appears to have been glued and very firm. For aesthetic consideration and a more beautiful presentation, the varnish will require a touch up on the treble side where the bow used to rest resulting in wear, and also on the back where you can see some scuffing and non matching colour touch up. Again, this is not crucial and can be corrected easily; the viola is playable as is, If you wish I can arrange adjustments before dispatch post auction; we can discuss. The scroll is grafted. Measurements are: Length of back 40 cm, lower bout 23.2 cm, middle bout,12.7 cm, upper bout 18. 8 cm (approximate).I believe this viola will suit a soloist, chamber musician or orchestral leader. It is a fantastic instrument. The measurements are perfect, the size and model allow an exquisite ease of playing. I found an auction sales result from 1996 for a Rossi viola, and note the price then was $6753 US. These are sought after and valuable. Please read my feedback, you will be satisfied with a wonderful viola at a reasonable price.Item is as described and as seen in the pics. Thank you ~