Viola by Joseph Ian Ross, Pitlochry, 1997
About Joseph Ian Ross
Ian Ross was an incredibly gifted maker based in Pitlochry, Scotland. We were proud to have known Ian: he was a hugely individual and charming man, endlessly talented, and incredibly generous to generations of players. He passed away at the end of February 2023 and we were very grateful to be given the chance by his family to buy the collection of his instruments. These instruments are now being finished in our workshop and added to our catalogue of his work.
Ian´s workshop was a treasure trove of instruments, all stunningly well observed and beautifully made. He had an amazing eye for different models and always has several different models on the go at once. Ian´s instruments are popular with traditional and classical players alike for their very human, expressive qualities.
About the viola
This viola is modelled after the instruments of Andrea Guarneri. Perhaps closest to the famous ‘Conte Vitale’ of 1676, the viola borrows features from several of the extanct Andrea Guarneri violas.
The viola has a two piece back of book-matched, quarter sawn maple. The ribs are of similar wood and the scroll is more plain. The front is two pieces of book-matched spruce, widening towards the flanks. The varnish is golden-amber in colour.
The viola has a length of back of 419 mm.
How does it sound?
This viola is large in size and has a sound to match! The tone is full and warm whilst also projecting right across its range. The A string is perhaps our favourite, as it retains the roundness of tone found on the other strings, allowing the sound to bloom without ever becoming strained.
Condition
The viola is in original mint condition.
Further information
Please get in touch for more details about this contemporary Scottish viola by Ian Ross for sale and a member of our team will get back to you.