Stefano Conia, Italian viola from Cremona 1985 (certificate)

Stefano Conia (*1946) is a contemporary Italian violin maker in Cremona who studied with Sgarabotto, Morassi and Bissolotti.

This viola by Cremona violin maker Stefano Conia was made in Cremona in 1985. It is thus one of his earlier instruments which are superior in quality and sound to his later works. This viola is a comfortably mid-sized instrument made on a Testore model that features a features a bright and carrying soloist sound, suitable for professionals. The unmistakable Italian appearance of this Stefano Conia viola perfectly demonstrates its Cremonese provenance: the soundholes are cut in a very characteristical shape, the dominant, large scroll and the soft and rich, orange-brown oil varnish, that shows slight craquellation are true expressions of a mature Italian style, that is underlined by the self-confident choice of tonewoods. Especially the medium grained spruce of the viola's top has perfect regularity, the one-piece back cut from the slab is an even more perfectly done play with nature, as its delicate mild flaming seems to be grown especially to match the shape of this instrument. But what is all aesthetical virtuosity against the great acoustic qualities this Stefano Conia viola is featuring, with a floating, warm, bright and sweet voice that is more than recommendable, precise and perfectly balanced across the strings. We offer this Stefano Conia viola with minor varnish flaws and retouch in undamaged, excellent condition, completely worked over by our luthier, in immediate playing condition. The price includes Stefano Conia's original certificate, which unfortunately is now only available in digital form / copy.

Like all our instruments and bows, this includes our trade-in guarantee.