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Viola
Viola by Benjamin Banks, 1778
POA — please enquire
One of the best-sounding small violas we have come across — loud, resonant and easy to manoeuvre.
- Maker
- Benjamin Banks
- Origin
- Salisbury, England
- Date
- 1778
- Size
- 388 mm (15¼")
- Condition
- Very good. Three small cracks on the front and a cheek repair to the pegbox.
Two-piece back of rippled sycamore with sycamore ribs and a plainer maple scroll; front of pine of medium growth, possibly local. Original brown varnish with reddish hints.
Original label, and inscribed internally by Banks in four places, with original signed blocks and a remnant of the neck-fixing nail.
Sound: loud, resonant and easy to manoeuvre.
Provenance
From a retiring player.
Try it at home
Take an instrument or bow home on approval and judge it in your own acoustic before you decide.
Enquire
Ask about this viola
We’ll get back to you to answer questions or book a time to come and play it. Viewings are Tuesday – Saturday, 9.00am – 5.00pm, by appointment.
