Our new 15 1/2 inch highly decorated viola is a copy of the circa 1580 Gasparo da Salo.  Thurmond Knight copied the original, using northwestern Canadian spruce for the top and maple from southern Germany for the back, ribs and neck.  The back is decorated with inlaid purfling.  Both the top and back have double purfling around the periphery.  Due to the shorter string length that da Salo' used, this viola is ideal for musicians who play both violin and viola.  Because of its compact size, going back and forth between instruments is a pleasure.  The tone has been described as, "Very large, warm and robust!"  Dedicated to Thurmond's aunt, Onida Aurora Knight, nicknamed Aunt Snip, this 2008 model sells for $14,000.

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