Andrea Guarneri, who was a student of Nicola Amati, is one of the great names when it comes to the manufacture of classical stringed instruments, and he is especially known for his violas. His most famous model is the "Conte Vitale" from 1676, which served as the template for the Scala Vilagio F.H. A. Guarneri Viola 1676. This model is built in Germany by master violin maker Florian Hertzsch, following the original specifications as closely as possible. It features the typical combination of a large body and relatively short scale length, and visual details such as wear marks are meticulously reproduced for the most authentic finish imaginable. The instrument comes with brand-name strings by Thomastik and is delivered in a high-quality case by Jakob Winter.
Authenticity and quality are top priorities at Scala Vilagio. It should therefore come as no surprise that the woods used in the construction of the Scala Vilagio F.H. A. Guarneri Viola 1676 are of premium quality: The top is made of long-seasoned Alpine spruce (Picea abies), while the rest of the body is made of high-quality flamed maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) and the fingerboard and fittings made of ebony (Diospyros crassiflora). During construction, the woods are matched and tested at specific frequencies to achieve the most precise tonal response possible while also ensuring a sturdy construction, and the final fine-tuning is carried out via the soundpost and bridge. And true to the historic original, the amber varnish is applied very thinly in order to influence the vibration of the woods as little as possible.
As is to be expected from a master-built instrument in this price range, the high-quality Scala Vilagio F.H. A. Guarneri Viola 1676 is suitable for professional use. With its detailed workmanship and European woods that have been seasoned for many years, it will meet the highest demands of experienced violists looking for an instrument in the 16.5" size class. Thanks to its characteristics and the accuracy with which it replicates the original, this instrument will appeal to collectors as well as professional musicians.
Scala Vilagio is a brand that is exclusive to Thomann and offers-high quality bowed string instruments as well as fully 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 Gesu, the range also includes instruments by other grandmasters such as Nicolo Amati and Giovanni Paolo Maggini, and each one brings its own tonal palette and lets you get your hands on a piece of instrument making history. The extensive nature of Scala Vilagio’s range is thanks to the large number of instrument makers involved, who are based in Upper Franconia, Middle Franconia, the Carpathians, and the Czech Republic (among other places) and who build the Scala Vilagio instruments in the tradition of the old masters.
The Scala Vilagio F.H. A. Guarneri Viola 1676 combines a powerful, dark tone with a fast, direct response and is thus suitable for a wide range of musical applications. With its full sound, this viola will fit perfectly into an orchestra without encroaching on the violins' frequency range, but it will also excel as a solo instrument in the studio. In addition to the high-quality moulded case with detachable backpack straps, the viola also comes with a certificate, and should one still be needed, Scala Vilagio provides a selection of matching bows with different fittings.