A very successful viola has been the 1715 David Tecchler. The original instrument on which this viola is modeled was made by David Tecchler for the Cardinal of Rome in 1715, and features a laced scroll and the high arching typical of David Tecchler instruments. It is 41 cm in body length. Many consider the Tecchler violas to produce the finest tone of all. Approximately 15 Bolliger violas of this model have been sold and are in use in orchestras around the world.
The Conte Vitale 1676 viola by Andrea Guarneri is the latest addition to my repertoire of models. The original was made for Count Vitale of Milan in 1676. It is 41.9cm in body length and has gracefully sweeping arching which produces a big rich and sonorous tone. This makes this model very popular by many makers worldwide.
(Click on images for a full-sized version.)