For the back and ribs I am using a domestic poplar. I prefer poplar and willow for violas because of the distinct sound they create. Poplar, compared to the more commonly used maple, is more flexible, softer and less dense. The first two qualities mean that poplar will produce a lower frequency when made to vibrate. This makes an instrument sound richer and fuller in the lower registers.
Making a viola perform in its lower registers is the primary problem for both luthiers and players. The most effective way to achieve a deep sound is to make the viola larger. The giant violas of Gaspar da Salo are regarded as some of the best-sounding violas in existence, but very few players have the arm length required to play these instruments. If we use poplar, we can shift the paradigm of sound lower without making the instrument too large.
Using a low-density wood will help reduce the total weight of the instrument. Since a viola is much larger than a violin, and weight increases exponentially with size, violas can be quite heavy. This viola will be significantly lighter than if it were made with maple – something any violist will appreciate.
The top plate is traditional European Spruce (Picea Abies), which was used to make instruments even before the violin was invented. As you can see from the photo, the piece is beautifully figured with what is called hazelfichte. Hazelfichte provides good strength but not stiffness. It will keep my options open for when I do the arching and graduations (thickness). Because the wood is strong, I can more freely use shapes and thicknesses that promote movement and vibration.
-Jackson
Making a viola perform in its lower registers is the primary problem for both luthiers and players. The most effective way to achieve a deep sound is to make the viola larger. The giant violas of Gaspar da Salo are regarded as some of the best-sounding violas in existence, but very few players have the arm length required to play these instruments. If we use poplar, we can shift the paradigm of sound lower without making the instrument too large.
Using a low-density wood will help reduce the total weight of the instrument. Since a viola is much larger than a violin, and weight increases exponentially with size, violas can be quite heavy. This viola will be significantly lighter than if it were made with maple – something any violist will appreciate.
The top plate is traditional European Spruce (Picea Abies), which was used to make instruments even before the violin was invented. As you can see from the photo, the piece is beautifully figured with what is called hazelfichte. Hazelfichte provides good strength but not stiffness. It will keep my options open for when I do the arching and graduations (thickness). Because the wood is strong, I can more freely use shapes and thicknesses that promote movement and vibration.
-Jackson