Gunther Prager Viola / Amati Question

November 29, 2015 at 05:24 PM · nobody?

November 29, 2015 at 09:25 PM · So-called Stradivarius model violas are usually narrower in the middle bout than "Guarnerius" models and have a clearer and often more nasal tone, with a more resrictedtone on the lower strings. I have not seen an "Amati Model" viola on sale, but Amati's surviving violas are long and wide, (if they haven't been cut down,) similar to Gasparo da Salo's, or Maggini's.

I see that Amati's f-holes were often, (like Stradivari's) shorter than those of Gasparo, leading to a slightly deeper but less powerful lower range.

But so many other factors come into play, such as plate arching and distribution of thickness, that one really cannot generalise.

Mosr original Amatis have been drastically reduced in size, while several surviving Gasparos are still huge. Does tis mean that Amatis were more popular at one time? (i.e.i still in use int Classical period?).)

December 6, 2015 at 05:31 PM · Nobody else? Well, U-toob has two demos of Jay haide violas playing the same notes in the same conditions. The Maggini model has a much richer low range than the Strad model.

The narrow Strad outline gives a well balanced tone across the range, but lacking in depth. There are ten authentic Sradivarius "alto" violas in circulation, (ca 16-1/4"), with refined but clear tones in the two I have on disc, but only two 18" "tenor" violas (same tuning) which I have never heard.