16 1/2” Viola by John Vincent Importuno, 1998.

Featuring a back length of 418mm, or just under 16 1/2,” and comfortably sloped shoulders, with an upper bout of 190mm, this viola is as easy to navigate as it is a delight to play; with a deep baritone voice offering a pleasing resistance for broad, round sound. Boxwood fittings with white pips and collars, matching button, and fret on the decorated tailpiece (120mm), with mammoth ivory saddles, and ebony inlay to the lower rib, and a Hill style Guarneri chinrest with black brackets. Setup with Evah Pirazzi Gold strings, with a Spirocore Tungsten C string.

Importuno “studied and worked side by side with Master Luthiers Robert Benedetto and John Buscarino. He also served an apprenticeship under William T. Walls, Master Violin Maker and Restorer, who taught him the fine points of restoration. It was Wall's teaching that inspired John to dedicate himself to the mastery of his craft. Each Importuno Violin is hand-crafted from the finest aged European tone woods such as select Spruce and highly figured and well-seasoned Maple. The hand-crafted varnish is based on Old World recipes and made from Baltic Amber which is oil based and uses several different resins to add luster and life to his instruments.”

Back length: 418mm.

Upper bout: 190mm.

Lower bout: 244mm.

String length: 381mm.