A Viola by Alan & Sarah Balmforth

About the Makers:
We have been makers and repairers of violin family instruments for forty years.

Our violin models usually are of a style inspired by Guarneri. However, we also have designed and made other original models.

In the 1980’s we worked for violist Gerald Stanick who asked us to make large but comfortably playable violas according to his design. This Stanick model (16 7/8” – 17”), with gently sloping shoulders and a heart-shaped lower bout, has been very successful for us and the musicians who play them. We have also modified the original design for professional players who like a smaller instrument but still require a big responsive sound (15 5/8” – 16 5/8”). Of course, we also make violas of a more traditional shape as well.

Our cellos are usually based on a late Stradivari model.

Occasionally we design and make special projects and purfling inlays. Examples of this can be seen in our instrument gallery.