Violas from our workshop
Cafted for discerning musicians
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!
A Brief Overview
We are pleased to present a selection of our violas and some of the musicians who play them. Each instrument varies in size and string length, allowing us to accommodate individual preferences and playing styles.
Price: €18 to 22 000. Special commissions are available on request.
The Guarneri and Maggini Inspirations
An outstanding model is the viola crafted by Andrea Guarneri in 1676 — the only design that we make without any modifications. Copies of this viola consistently deliver exceptional tonal results: balanced, clear, and expressive across all positions.
Body length: 41.6 cm · String length: 37.5 cm or 37 cm
We also enjoy combining the Andrea Guarneri outline with the arching of Giovanni Paolo Maggini. Thanks to the extremely high and full arching, these instruments produce a wonderfully dark, resonant, and rich tone.
Here, Nikolai Clavier plays his viola by Barbara Gschaider, measuring 41.6 cm in body length. The instrument is inspired by the Andrea Guarneri viola from 1676.
A Large Viola with a Short String Length
A large viola can feature a relatively short string length — ideal for violists with shorter fingers. This model is inspired by a viola by G.P. Maggini. The body measures 41.6 cm, while the vibrating string length is just 36 cm.
Barbara Gschaider: “I love this model. It is large and powerful in tone, yet as comfortable to play as a smaller viola.”
The “Cello Viola” – A Small Viola with a Remarkably Large Voice
A longstanding question in viola making is how to achieve the largest possible sound from the smallest possible instrument. One important factor appears to be the width of the middle bouts: a broader centre can, to a certain degree, compensate for the length that a smaller viola lacks.
An inspiring model can be found in the work of Domenico Montagnana. His cello “Sleeping Beauty” (the word cello is not a misprint!) possesses proportions that offer exactly what a smaller viola with a large tone requires.
For this reason, we have brought the Sleeping Beauty to life as a viola. With a body length of 40.5 cm and the full Maggini-style arching, our “Cello Viola” produces a tone that is dark, warm, and full, often surpassing that of many larger instruments.
On request, we also build this model with body lengths of 39.5 cm or 38.5 cm.
The vibrating string length is 36 or 36.5 cm.
Ada Meinich with her viola by Barbara Gschaider.
Based on the Andrea Guarneri model, reduced by 3% (body length 40.5 cm), with a 36 cm string length.
Frieda Oliver playing her viola by Barbara Gschaider,
inspired by a model by Gasparo da Salò (body length 39.5 cm, string length 36 cm).