Looking to Buy a Viola
Hello,
I am looking for a viola, size 16-16.5", budget 15-20K. I am asking for my wife, who is a professional violinist. She also teaches viola. Her current instrument, although good, is not meeting her needs, thus the quest to upgrade.
My wife and I will be in the Toronto, Canada area in mid-September. We have already made appointments with all the major violin shops in Toronto. What we are looking for are private sales or any contacts you may have that we could explore while we are in Toronto. Thanks for you help (and for not making firewood of this thread)!
Replies (9)
I saw and heard a gorgeous viola made by Wojciech Topa (Poland). I was blown away. Probably you will see them for around $15k. Another viola to look for is one made by Daniel Foster. Those will probably be $22k or so.
Thanks for these great suggestions. Paul, does Wojciech Topa have a website, I couldn't find it online? Where in Toronto could you find a Topa or Foster viola?
Costa, I don't know. As for those violas, my thinking there was that if you are in a shop in Toronto you can ask if they have any of those. There are so many great makers now, I don't know if either of those that I mentioned would be cause to make a Herculean effort to try it. Might be worth a few phone calls though.
Not a Topa in Toronto shoppa,
but a Newton in East town!
I second Topa. Those are great instruments, though may be difficult to get in Toronto - dunno. Likewise, I would recommend Catalin Quercinola, who made my viola. His instruments are incredible and he is great to work with, if you have the patience for a commissioned instruments. His instruments go for around $12k. I can send you contact information if you would like.
Lastly, Luis Manfio, who frequents this site, is a fantastic maker who sells around your price ranger.
Hi Costa, should you find yourself in the UK please send me an email (rolf@waeflerviolins.com). I specialise in making bespoke violas and I will be very happy to see you at a location of your choice in the UK so that you can play a selection of my violas unconditionally.
I recommend that you contact www.corilon.com
I bought my violin through them and the best part is that, if later, you decided to upgrade the instrument, they give you credit for the entire amount that you have originally paid.
Dr. Annette Roeben, owner of the company, is specialized in older instruments and she's a great help in recommending the instruments that suit your needs.
Guy Rabut, Beacon NY.
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August 8, 2016 at 11:45 PM · 2 excellent makers you have to visit:
http://www.johnnewtonviolins.com/
http://www.itzelavila.com/
They live in the same part of the city.
This one has been on consignment sale at Geo Heinl for a while:
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-string-instrument/oakville-halton-region/excellent-quality-professional-viola-reduced-price/1179702047?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
A word of caution: some shops in Toronto occasionaly charge 200% or 300% of the market value of the instrument.