Instrument Type: Viola
Year: 1971
Price: SOLD
Maker: Vittore Giardinieri
The Viola
Vittore Giardinieri made this viola in 1971. It remains in excellent condition today, featuring beautifully flamed wood and offering a large, rich tone. The viola has a back length of 16 1/2 inches.
The Maker
Vittore E. Giardinieri was born in 1909 in Lake Creek, Oregon. Unable to afford a violin, he made his own at the age of nineteen using tools found in the Sears Roebuck catalogue. He continued pursuing his passion throughout his life, ultimately making a total of 405 instruments.
Giardinieri was unusual among modern luthiers in that he created his instruments from the tree to the final product, cutting his own wood, making his own endpins, and carving his own tailpieces and chin rests. After a prolific career and training several apprentices, Giardinieri passed away in 2006 at the age of 96.
His legacy continues to live on today, as his instruments are played worldwide, with four on permanent display at the Centro Arte Contemporanea in Cavalese, Italy.
Terms of Sale
This viola has been sold and is no longer available for purchase. Benning Violins invites you to browse our current catalog of fine instruments or contact us directly to inquire about similar instruments.