25/02/2026
Latest (semi) retirement project:
I've just finished this experimental willow backed 15 1/8" viola, a very wide model based on a lovely one by my teacher Barry Oliver (which was in standard maple).
I made it for myself, working quickly and leaving tool marks which I enjoy. The varnish, such as it is, was done over three days (I might beef it up later).
It's a lovely old slab of willow that I bought originally for making blocks but it was far too good for that and I've kept it for about 30 years for something like this.
The instrument is very light weight and for now I've strung it lightly so I can tune it a tone sharp to go with my wife Paula's mellow G/D Anglo concertina. It's also OK a semitone or two higher than that as a low fiddle, to play along with some favourite low pitched Irish recordings. (It's fine at standard pitch too.)
It's really easy to play with a light bow stroke using my favourite light violin bow so very easy on my ageing arms. :)
