Another lovely English small viola, this time from the Betts shop, early 19th century – it’s in excellent condition, and the sound is dark and rich.
This is a very well preserved example of the work of the Betts workshop – not one of their most refined instruments but still very well made, using good materials.
The one-piece back is paticularly attractive, with a wild narrow figure.
The varnish is a typical deep cherry red over an orange ground.
The condition is excellent – there are wing cracks to each f-hole and there’s some edge wear, but no other cracks or damages. There’s a rather marked black ‘moustache’ from old rosin build-up but otherwise the original varnish is very well preserved.
The sound is dark, mellow and slightly haunting – although quite held back it’s also noble and arresting. Very well balanced throughout the register, smooth and resistant under the bow, and with a full core.
Quite a long string length for the size of the body, and a very sucessful design – this would be a great instrument for chamber music or for an orchestral professional looking to stretch just a bit less!
