An Iizuka Pattern Viola by Brazilian Luthier, José Corrêa, 2016. 16 3/4”

A robust, modern Brazilian viola crafted in 2016 by José Corrêa de Souza and patterned after a widely successful Iizuka pattern which features a pear shaped lower bout and sloped shoulders, sometimes referred to as cut-away. Indeed, the shape of the viola lends a greater comfort and ease of facilitation for demanding players who require more control in the upper registers, whilst also delivering the feeling of playing on a smaller, more accessible instrument - the shape of the lower bout allows easy balance on the shoulder while bringing the scale closer so the arm is not quite so outstretched as it would traditionally be on a viola of this size. Moreover, the gamba style corners allow for freedom of tracking with the bow - you would be hard pressed to catch one of these with the head or frog of your bow.

This viola is currently equipped with a Wittner Ultra-Light tailpiece with built in tuners, Evah Gold “A, and C,” and Vision Solo “D, and G” to enhance the clarity and warmth of an otherwise powerfully raw, well rounded, and mightily deep tenor voice. 

Label:

José Corrêa de Souza
Feito em Bela Horizonte
Ano 2016

Detailed Measurements:

Length of Back: 422mm
String Length: 381mm
Upper Bout: 170mm; 226mm
Lower bout: 272mm