$7,000.00
A Rare American Viola by Benjamin F. King, 1949. 16”
An interesting American viola of 70 years, crafted in 1949 by the early 20th century conductor, Benjamin F King. King made 20 violins and 11 violas, of which this was the 4th. By imitating the high arched and deep bodied designs of the old Brecian Masters, King successfully compensated size without sacrificing sound. This was his answer to the enormous and unwieldy ‘Wagnerian’ violas; full bodied, with cavernous sonority and clarity across the registers. Featuring an unremarkable and rather plain neck stock in stark contrast to the beautiful birds eye maple of the back and ribs and fine selection of spruce for the top, with a hard, golden-honey colored oil varnish of glowing translucence. The viola is equipped with ebony fittings, a Larson ‘A’ and Evah Golds.
Measurements:
Back length: 405mm.
Upper bout: 193mm.
Lower bout: 238mm.
Edge/edge rib height: 49mm.
String Length: 367mm.
Measurements:
Back length: 405mm.
Upper bout: 193mm.
Lower bout: 238mm.
Edge/edge rib height: 49mm.
String Length: 367mm.