Viola by Vanna So, Workshop of William Harris Lee, Chicago, USA

Viola by Vanna So - 16 3/8" / 41cms - 1996

A fabulous instrument which I have loved ever since I first played it. I am selling it due to retirement. Instruments need to be played and since I have stopped playing, it now needs a new home.
It is bright but never brash and has a huge sound. It is very good in an orchestral setting and easy to hear under the ear. The tone across all the strings is very even and the A string is not nasal. The C is meaty! I use Pirastro Obligato strings on it as they seem to suit it well.
True to the ethos at William Harris Lee, the neck is slim and the instrument is light, making it very user friendly. It was beautifully made and I haven't had any major issues with it. There are a few superficial battle scars due to its hard working professional life. The pegs are original and don't need replacing at this time, however there was some decoration on them which was plastic and has now fallen off. A shame but only cosmetic. Viola has fitted Gordge case.

Certification: I have the original receipt from Guivier's