Hiroshi Kono 16″ Viola- Tokyo 2024

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We have a finely crafted viola from Japan. The instrument has moderate arching in the Stradivarius style which helps project a massive powerful viola sound. The top plate is medium-width grain spruce and the back plate is one-piece maple with a generous medium-width flame that is also matched in the same degree in the ribs. The varnish is a deep golden orange/brown on a golden ground. The varnish is antiqued and distressed to give an older appearance to the instrument. We set up the viola here in our shop with ebony fittings, soundpost, French bridge, and a set of the Pirastro Obligato with a Larsen A strings. Famed violinist Joshua Bell, has many students purchase Kono instruments because of the quality, depth of sound, and excellent responsiveness. These instruments are perfect for the up-and-coming serious player looking for the next level in sound and performance. This is a new instrument in perfect condition.

Corpus 410.0 mm., Major Width 245.0 mm., Minor Width 198.0 mm., Rib Height 37.5 mm. Vibrating String Length 372.0 mm

The sound of the Kono viola is large and in charge. It is a wow in my book. This powerful sound is throughout the entire voicing and register. The C & G strings have a gutsy mature sound which I like very much. But they also have an edginess to their tone which adds greatly to the overtones of the viola. The A & D strings sound brilliant. They sparkle, which is a dynamic bonus in a great viola. The player will fall in love with this sound and will be captured by the instrument’s presence and performance.