Sean Peak, 2026. 15 3/4”

Sean Peak worked for William Harris Lee in Chicago before establishing independently. He is particularly well known for his violas which typically feature American Big-Leaf Maple for the backs and have and amalgamation of features modeled from Ornati, Tertis, and Guadagnini. He produces between 20-25 instruments a year in the white for Bill Weaver in Washington who does the finishing work and varnish. The result is an easily identifiable instrument that offers a voice competitive with instruments three times the price for a modest sum. So much so that several professionals have won regional auditions with them. The most well known violist who performs on a Peak is Michael Klotz of the Amernet Quartet, FIU, and CIM. Many of his studio follow suite.

Bilk Weaver usually keeps his favorite from each batch to represent at his own shop, so we are very lucky to have acquired this particular example of Peak’s work from him. At 15 3/4,” this viola offers a depth and breadth usually reserved for larger instruments and delivers a consistently powerful voice.