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Scala Vilagio R.O. Stradivari Archinto 1696

Viola

  • Handmade in the style of the Antonio Stradivari "Archinto" viola by master luthier Ryszard Osowski in Upper Franconia, Germany
  • Hand-applied varnish finish by his son Dawid Osowski in Nowy Targ, Poland
  • Reconstruction of the original arching of top and back
  • Italian oil varnish, handmade using Baltic amber for a radiant red-brown shade, applied by hand according to the original model of the historical instrument
  • Made using only tonewoods that have been aged for many years, sourced from the best regions of Bavaria, Austria, Switzerland and Bosnia
  • Top made of selected fine-grained spruce
  • Body made of richly flamed maple
  • Precisely finished brazilwood fittings; carefully selected Aubert bridge; hand-split soundpost, crafted in-house
  • Powerful and extremely assertive sound with strong projection
  • A wide tonal palette with bold, characterful lows and mids, complemented by a rich and well-balanced spectrum of overtones
  • Strung with Thomastik Spirocore C, Thomastik Peter Infeld G, D and A-string
  • Body length: 419 mm
  • Neck scale: 150 mm
  • Bridge position: 222 mm
  • Width of upper bout: 197 mm
  • Width of middle bout: 130 mm
  • Width of lower bout: 244 mm
  • Certificate of authenticity
  • Available since September 2024
  • Item number 588231
  • Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
  • Size 16 inches
  • Flamed Back Yes
  • Fingerboard Ebony
  • Including Case No
  • Including Bow No
  • Model, Style A. Stradivari - Archinto 1696
  • Top Spruce
  • Back and Sides Maple
  • Neck & Head Maple
  • Tailpiece Pernambuco
  • Tuning Pegs Pernambuco
£11,290
All prices incl. VAT
In stock
1

A viola based on a masterpiece

Scala Vilagio R.O. Stradivari Archinto 1696, replica of a historical viola

Every Scala Vilagio viola is a replica of a legendary instrument, made by equally legendary luthiers: The Archinto viola was created in 1696 by Antonio Stradivari, one of only ten violas made by the most famous luthier of all time. The Archinto is clear and coherent unification of his early approach, while already displaying elements of his golden period. The historical denotation "Archinto" comes from Count Giuseppe Archinto, a passionate collector of rare instruments who owned the original in the 19th century. This exact replica has been composed with a painstaking combination of historical accuracy and modern techniques, without changing the instrument's unique identity. It was built, like all Scala Vilagio products, entirely by hand in a European workshop, using nothing but the highest-quality components. Scala Vilagio instruments fulfil the absolutely highest standards in terms of quality, durability, playability, and – most importantly – sound.

Scala Vilagio R.O. Stradivari Archinto 1696, replica of a historical viola

The perfect recipe.

Every Scala Vilagio R.O. Stradivari Archinto is a one-off, made by hand by the master violin maker Ryszard Osowski in Franconia. He uses nothing but well-seasoned and carefully selected tonewoods, including slow-growth spruce for the hand-carved soundboard and richly quilted maple for the body. The Archinto possesses a notably artistic, elaborate form for a viola, although of course its proportions are perfect, like all Stradivaris. Each part, from the top and back to the scroll, has been carved by hand to exactly mimic the original. The oil lacquer, also handmade by Osowski, contains Baltic amber and gives this masterpiece its rich golden brown colour. The result of these exquisite ingredients and beautiful craftsmanship is a deep, powerful sound with an extraordinary resonance.

Scala Vilagio R.O. Stradivari Archinto 1696, replica of a historical viola

...for the best results

A viola like the Scala Vilagio Stradivari Archinto will meet even the very highest standards in every imaginable way. Of course, this makes it an ideal tool for professional musicians, with – played with a bow or pizzicato – the hand-wound Thomastik strings ensuring a sound and playfeel that will shine in any situation. Equally, the Archinto will also appeal to dedicated amateur musicians seeking an instrument of genuine individuality and distinction. Either way, this instrument will accompany a violist their entire lives, making it a worthwhile long-term investment. This should also make it interesting for collectors who want to own a masterful interpretation of the work of the most celebrated violinmaker to ever live.

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About Scala Vilagio

Scala Vilagio is a Thomann-exclusive brand that offers-high quality bowed string instruments, as well as 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 Gesù, the range also includes instruments by other grandmasters such as Nicolò Amati and Giovanni Paolo Maggini. Each one has a unique tonal palette, giving modern players a chance to own a piece of musical history. Scala Vilagio's extensive range originates with numerous expert craftspeople, based in Franconia, the Carpathians, and Czechia (among other places), and who build each instrument by hand in the tradition of the old masters.

Artisanal accessories

A viola of this quality, made by hand from such choice ingredients, should only be played with the finest accessories. Any stringed instrument is incomplete without the right bow: Anyone who's ever experimented with different bows on the same viola knows what a difference they can make to the overall sound. Thomann (and Scala Vilagio) offers bows made from select materials like pernambuco, ebony, or high-grade synthetics – of course, any bow is incomplete without the right rosin. And even when it's not being played, a sensitive instrument like the Scala Vilagio Stradivari Archinto needs to be kept safe and sound: Again, Thomann's portfolio has a wide range of robust cases for worry-free transport, as well as number of stands or options for hanging an eyecatching instrument like this on a wall.