1988 Viola Available

We are pleased to announce that a rare Borman viola has become available, however we have loaned it to the Doublestop Foundation for a period of 1 year. If you would like to be on the waiting list to try the instrument when it returns in 2021, please email Shar.

There are only a few Borman violas in existence. This viola has a beautiful, warm, round tone that projects well in the largest of halls but when needed can cut through the fullest orchestration. The instrument's acoustic qualities and tonal palette allow it to be successful in all situations; i.e. orchestral, chamber, and soloist.

Commissioned in 1987 and completed in 1988 it's a newer instrument that captures the sound and quality of older, more expensive instruments. Pinchas Zukerman recently played it and loved it. You can also click here, here, and here to listen to Jaime Laredo playing the Shostakovitch "Sonata for Viola and Piano Op. 147" on his Borman viola to get an idea of what this instrument sounds like.

Computer monitors have differences in color adjustments. We have done our best to present this instrument in its original color and hue, but due to these outside factors, color variations may occur.

From Terry: "Prior to leaving my shop this second time I have ensured the instrument is in virtually new condition i.e. sound post, bridge, strings, varnish, bassbar, fingerboard, pegs, etc. have all been reviewed and brought to "like new" function. The only aspect of this instrument that is not "like new" is that it has been well played in for the past 29 years."

It was built using Cremonese modeling and the execution was intended to personify Brescian style. The back length is roughly 16.5" or 423mm. The upper bout is relatively narrow to allow easy access to the upper registers. The neck is slightly shorter than normal so the overall feel is more like a 16 1/4" viola.