I like to use models based on the very early makers from Brescia in Northern Italy, Gaspar da Salo and Paolo Maggini, which I feel have considerable benefits for the player, both in size and sound.  The sound quality reconciles two things which can sometimes be opposites; a rich, dark sound and projection with power.

Viola players usually think of size in terms of body length, but string length is also an important consideration.  Two violas of the same body length can have string lengths which vary by as much as 25mm.  The shorter the string length, the less the left hand has to stretch, and the more comfortable the viola will be.  The Brescian violas have the bridge position higher up the body than the Cremonese makers, which is one reason I favour these models.  

The models I make for professional players range in size from 15 inches (38cm) to 16 5/8 inches (42.3cm).  Even the smallest of these is powerful and resonant, with a focussed and projecting C string.  Owners of my violas have included principal players of the English National Ballet and National Youth orchestras as well as three members of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, players in the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Oslo Philharmonic,  European Union Youth and Bournemouth Symphony orchestras.

For more viola photos, visit the photo gallery page.