Vuillaume, as a maker held Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesu at the pinnacle of the instrument world. He recognized that players wanted to own instruments that sounded good and that looked similar to the finest Cremonese. There were no violas by del Gesu to copy so the instruments that Vuillaume made were primarily inspired by Stradivari. Since the players of the day were violinists, Vuillaume’s violas were generally under 16” in body length. Today, these instruments are in demand not just for their practicality of size but mainly for the quality of their sound. 

This viola made c1847 has been the concert instrument of professional players for several generations. It is in outstanding condition, which makes it a more interesting and reliable instrument than a modern viola, and more dependable and affordable than an 18th century instrument.

A viola byJ.B. Vuillaume

A viola by
J.B. Vuillaume