Scala Vilagio R.O. A. Guarneri Conte Vitale
Viola
- Built in the style of the Andrea Guarneri "Conte Vitale" viola (1676) by hand by master luthier Ryszard Osowski in Upper Franconia, Germany
- Hand-applied lacquer finish by son Dawid Osowski in Nowy Targ, Poland
- Reconstruction of the original arching of top and back
- Widening of the middle and lower bout
- Scroll and f-holes are Osowski's own design, inspired by Guarneri's most beautiful works
- Sides built on an inner mould according to the Cremonese tradition
- Italian oil varnish, handmade using Baltic amber for a radiant gold-brown shade, applied by hand according to the original model of the historical instrument
- Made using only well-seasoned tone woods from the best regions of Bavaria, Austria, Switzerland and Bosnia
- Top made from selected, fine-grained spruce
- Body made from deeply flamed maple
- Precisely matched, elegant pernambuco fittings; selected Milo Stamm bridge; hand-split soundpost
- Powerful and extremely assertive sound with strong projection
- Immensely versatile tonal spectrum, with a strong character in the lows and mids, combined with rich harmonic overtones
- Body length: 420 mm
- Neck length: 150 mm
- Bridge position: 222 mm
- Width of upper bout: 197 mm
- Width of middle bout: 136 mm
- Width of lower bout: 249 mm
- Strings: Thomastik Infeld Dynamo
- Includes certificate of authenticity
-
Available since July 2024
-
Item number 588223
-
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
-
Size 16 inches
-
Flamed Back Yes
-
Fingerboard Ebony
-
Including Case No
-
Including Bow No
-
Model, Style A. Guarneri - Conte Vitale 1676
-
Top Spruce
-
Back and Sides Maple
-
Neck & Head Maple
-
Tailpiece Pernambuco
-
Tuning Pegs Pernambuco
-
A viola based on a masterpiece
Every Scala Vilagio viola is a replica of a legendary instrument, made by equally legendary luthiers: The "Conte Vitale" viola was created in 1676 by the Italian master craftsman Andrea Guarneri, and is considered by contemporary experts to be one of the finest Baroque instruments of any kind. This viola represents at a stroke almost the entire philosophy of the genius from Cremona: The full, resonant tone – at once warm and brilliant – and its seemingly perfect proportions made it famous while its creator was still alive, and even today it remains one of the most widely copied historical violas. This example, too, has been composed with a painstaking combination of historical accuracy and modern techniques, without changing the original's unique identity. It has been built, like all Scala Vilagio instruments, entirely by hand in a European workshop, using nothing but the highest-quality components. Scala Vilagio instruments fulfil the absolutely highest standards in terms of quality, durability, playability, and – most importantly – sound.
)
The perfect recipe...
Every Scala Vilagio Guarneri Conte Vitale is a one-off, made by hand by the master violinmaker Ryszard Osowski in Franconia. He uses nothing but well-seasoned and carefully selected tonewoods, including slow-growth spruce for the hand-carved soundboard and richly quilted maple for the body. The arched top and back are based exactly on Guarneri's original design, complementing the shape of the rib garland – typical for Cremona. The scroll and f-holes are also interpretations of this particular style, with Osowski's eye for detail also clear in the lovingly detailed fittings, made of pernambuco. The oil lacquer, also handmade in his workshop, contains Baltic amber and gives this masterpiece its rich golden brown colour. The result of these exquisite ingredients and beautiful craftsmanship is a deep, powerful sound with an extraordinary resonance.
)
...for the best results
A viola like the Scala Vilagio Guarneri Conte Vitale will meet even the very highest standards in every imaginable way. Of course, this makes it an ideal tool for professional musicians, with – played with a bow or pizzicato – the handmade Thomastik strings ensuring a sound and playfeel that will shine in any situation. The Conte Vitale will also appeal to dedicated amateur musicians seeking an instrument of genuine individuality and distinction. Either way, this instrument will accompany a violist their entire lives, making it a worthwhile long-term investment. This should also make it interesting for collectors who want to own a masterful interpretation of the work of the legendary Cremonese luthier Andrea Guarneri.
){kind=logo}
About Scala Vilagio
Scala Vilagio is a Thomann-exclusive brand that offers-high quality bowed string instruments, as well as professional accessories. The products are made exclusively from sustainably grown European woods that have been naturally dried over a long period of time. The instruments are precisely built by master violin makers according to the same traditional methods as their most legendary forebears: Besides Stradivarius and Guarneri del Gesù, the range also includes instruments by other grandmasters such as Nicolò Amati and Giovanni Paolo Maggini. Each one has a unique tonal palette, giving modern players a chance to own a piece of musical history. Scala Vilagio's extensive range originates with numerous expert craftspeople, based in Franconia, the Carpathians, and Czechia (among other places), and who build each instrument by hand in the tradition of the old masters.
Artisanal accessories
A viola of this quality, made by hand from such choice ingredients, should only be played with the finest accessories. Any stringed instrument is incomplete without the right bow: Anyone who's ever experimented with different bows on the same viola knows what a difference they can make to the overall sound. Thomann (and Scala Vilagio) offers bows made from select materials like pernambuco, ebony, or high-grade synthetics – of course, any bow is incomplete without the right rosin. And even when it's not being played, a sensitive instrument like the Scala Vilagio Guarneri Conte Vitale needs to be kept safe and sound: Again, Thomann's portfolio has a wide range of robust cases for worry-free transport, as well as number of stands or options for hanging an eyecatching instrument like this on a wall.
Compare options
-
Scala Vilagio Acoustic Violas at a glance
-
Go to product group Acoustic Violas
-
Go to product group Master Class Violas
-
Go to product group String Instruments
-
Go to product group Traditional Instruments
-
Show manufacturer details for Scala Vilagio
-
Scala Vilagio Traditional Instruments at a glance