Viola da Gamba Society of America

Tenor viol by Peter Hütmannsberger

Aug 7, 2022

Tenor viol 7c 58cm via Peter Hütmannsberger, carved head, heavily decorated, 2005
With snakewood bow. More photos at https://tinyurl.com/johngambas
I am near the Avignon TGV. You are welcome to come via train and play

€8,000

Goult, France

7-string Bass Viol by Viktor Koos

Aug 7, 2022

Bass viol 7c 70cm via Viktor Koos, carved head, 2004
Item description: €6000 (compare to €12900 current price at https://viktorkoos.com/pricelist/viktor_koos_new_instruments_price_list_2022.pdf)
Current instruments he makes: https://viktorkoos.com/en/#seven_string_viola_da_gamba_2020
With carbon fibre case. No bow. More photos at https://tinyurl.com/johngambas
I am near the Avignon TGV. You are welcome to come via train and play the instrument. I can also bring the instrument to London in September.

€6,000

Goult, France

Bass Viol by Haldon Chase

Jul 23, 2022

A very well-made instrument with extremely interesting provenance.
Haldon "Hal" Chase was an archaeologist and early associate of the Beat poets, such as Ginsberg, Kerouac and Burroughs, who later dropped out of 'the scene' to build early music instruments. In his On the Road, Kerouac based the character "Chad King" on Hal Chase. (see Chase's Wikipeida page for add'l info)
This particular instrument was made when a friend had a 1708 Pieter Rombouts viol on loan from UCLA's Lachmann collection. It is an exact copy, except for the lion head, which was of Chase's own design.
It was made for Joan Myers, whose husband at one time was early music scholar Stanley Buetens and is a great-granddaughter of US Vice President Henry Wallace (FDR). In addition, she is a world-renowned nature photographer, whose work is in the Smithsonian. Of the viol, Myers says, "I played the instrument in many concerts and it is a highly professional instrument with a gorgeous timbre and sound." You would be purchasing this instrument directly from Myers' estate.
For an in-hand description of the instrument, or a complete set of photos, please get in touch.
- back and sides are of gorgeous curly maple
- hard case is included
- 2 bows included
- volumes of viol music from 60's and 70's included (on request)
- several sets of extra strings included
- may need set-up work, has been sitting in climate controlled storage since the 1990's

$7,995

Santa Fe, NM

Alto Viol by Norman Myall

Jul 23, 2022

Alto Viol made in 1997 by Norman Myall of London, England, for George Hunter, modelled on a Jaye viol in the Victoria and Albert Museum. In a Kingman case (no bow – I use my treble bow). I bought it in 2011 from the Estate of George Hunter for US $7,000. With papers proving provenance.

$7,000

Toronto, ON

Bass Viol by Gesina Liedmeier

Jul 23, 2022

2017 Bass Viol by Gesina Liedmeier (after the 1691 Joachim Tielke of the Caldwell Collection).

The top is in three pieces and the ribs/back are alternating staves of maple and walnut. The back is vaulted.
more pictures can be found here: https://www.liedmeier.nl/ENG/fotogallery

String length 68 cm (this is a small bass viol).

Sound sample:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9G7XvmEvpA8&ab_channel=ParkerRamsay

Case and bow are not included, though I am willing to sell the Ika case that I've always used for it.

$15,000

New York City, NY

Bass Viol by Francis Beaulieu

Jul 23, 2022

2020 Bass viol by Francis Beaulieu (after Henry Jaye).

Price includes a custom-made case by Maurizio Riboni.

More pictures upon request.

$16,000

New York City, NY

Treble Viol by Eugen Sprenger

Jul 23, 2022

Viol is in excellent condition, but feel free to ask any questions.

Label says:
Aus der geigenbauerfstatt
Eugen sprenger lauten:und
Geigenmacher in Frankfurt 1961

$8,500

New York City, NY

7-string bass viol by Bodart

Jul 10, 2022

7-string Bass viol (1996) previously owned by Stephen Morris. The viol is in mint condition, with a full warm sound, most likely a Colichon model. It has a carved woman’s head, decorated pegbox, and single purfling on the front of the instrument. The string length is 71cm. A bow by Jean-Yves Matter comes matched with the viol. It is a very beautiful fluted bow with ornate bone frog and screw. The viol has a fitted Rouillard aluminum case with working wheels and a few dents thanks to airline travel. The seller is Stephen’s wife, Beth Bell who lives in Canada and can help arrange transport. The asking price for the package of viol, bow and case is $20,000.

$20,000

Saturna, BC

7-string bass viol by Dominik Zuchowicz

Jun 7, 2022

Beautiful instrument made in 2000, played by Brady Lanier. Best for tall person, supplied with almost new Mooradian soft case. 68cm string length. Bow not included. I will bring the instrument to Conclave. You can hear the viol at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1My9laD_ax8

$7,500

Miami, FL

7-string bass viol by Warren Ellison

May 25, 2022

7 string bass viol after Colichon by Warren Ellison with string length of 69 centimeters. Double purfling and carving with Parisian motifs, scalloped pegs. Previously played professionally and loved; now, it doesn't get played enough. It is in immaculate shape and well set-up by Peter Tourin. Located in Philadelphia; can arrange transport to nearer East Coast cities or make a suggestion for a way to try it.

$12,000

Philadelphia, PA

Bass Viol by Dominik Zuchowicz

May 18, 2022

A plainly decorated Barak Norman model (70cm string length, 6 strings) with carved male head, made in 1998. Black Mooradian bag included. Excellent repaired condition, please contact for more information or to arrange a trial.

$8,000

Sudbury, MA

Two Tenor Viols by Eugene Sprenger

May 18, 2022

These two tenors from 1959 were used in all of the Oberlin Consort of Viols recordings and concerts until about 5 years ago when I acquired two antiques. They are by the father Sprenger of Frankfurt who was a very fine maker. They match beautifully both physically and sonically and I would love to sell them as a pair. I plan on bringing them to this year's Conclave in OH.

$12,000

Oberlin, OH

Bass Viol by Daniel Foster

Apr 21, 2022

Daniel Foster bass viola da gamba (1982) for sale. Instrument is constructed in the Barak Norman style and is in very good condition. Strings length of instrument is 67.5 cm. New frets, and strings have been placed on the instruments by master luthier Edward Maday. Sound is dark and rich. Hard case included. Two bows strung with brown horse hair included. Pictures and sale references are available upon request.

$7,000

Queens, NY

Treble viol

Mar 24, 2022

Labeled “Charlie Ogle Workshop/ Beijing ’07”; total length= 71 cm; vibrating string length= 36.5cm; condition is excellent; bow is untooled, unmarked snakewood with a small chip at the tip, 71 cm, 55 gr.; condition is good; padded nylon case (“violadagamba.com”, ca. 2007) included. Local sale only.

$2000 OBO

Oakland, CA

Tenor viol

Mar 24, 2022

Labeled “violadagamba.com” and undated; total length= 92 cm; vibrating string length= 52cm; condition is excellent; bow is of untooled, unmarked dark brown snakewood, 70.5cm, 64 gr.; condition is good.; padded nylon case (ca. 2007) included. Local sale only.

$2000 OBO

Oakland, CA

Violone by Michael Heale

Feb 25, 2022

Michael Heale Violone ca. 1983, built as a D instrument. Excellent condition (I am the original owner.) I can send more pictures if anyone is interested. I also have a couple of Violone bows (Louis Begin and Roger Doe) which could be included in the sale.

$15,000

Berkeley, CA

Pardessus by Carl Agren

Jan 8, 2022

6-string pardessus, Carl Agren, 1986. Kingham hard case, and bow. New frets, new strings, and the bow has been rehaired.
Contact me for further details: more photos or to discuss the price.

£2500.00

UK

Dominic Shann treble/alto viol, Ashmead bow

Dec 12, 2021

Dominic Shann 1981 treble viol; bridge to nut string length: 39.5 cm. Figured maple sides and back. Blackwood Ralph Ashmead bow. Early Music Shop UK hard case. Due to the long string length, plays well as an alto in C, which is perfect for Purcell and Locke consorts. Potentially easier to finger than a smaller treble for those with large hands. Can pack and ship at cost.

$5,500

Berkeley, CA

Bass Viol by Hans Zolch

Dec 8, 2021

1970 6 string bass viola da Gamba by Hans Zolch

$4,900

Menlo Park, CA

Jacob Meinertzen (1710) - 6-string bass viol

Nov 28, 2021

Jacob Meinertzen, Berlin 1710. (6 strings) The ribs and the back are made of thuya. The head, neck and tailpiece were made by Francois Bodart (Belgium). The gamba is located in Ghent (Belgium) A certificate can be obtained, if necessary, from Benjamin Schroeder (Frankfurt) or from Tilman Muthesius (Potsdam). A similar instrument is in the Berlin museum of musical instruments. http://www.ifos-instruments.com/Buch.htm

$75,000

Ghent, Belgium

Bass Rudolf Fiedler Viol and Hard Wood Case

Nov 7, 2021

Rudolf Fiedler bass viola da gamba (2003) for sale. Instrument is in very good condition with a non classical shape. Spruce front with flame maple ribs and back. String length is 27 inches with total instrument length of 47 inches. Very resonantly loud small bass viol with new frets which stay in place. Strung with new sensicore synthetic strings. Very good instrument for an intermediate player and quite versatile given texture of sound. Hard wood case included. Pictures and sale references are available upon request

$4,000

Dayton, OH

Treble viol by Wesley Brandt

Jan 1, 2021

Beautiful 6-string treble viola da gamba made by Wesley Brandt (Hoskins model) in 2005. This instrument has an exquisitely carved dragon head at the top of the pegbox. Instrument was well cared for and is in great condition. Total length: 74 cm. Vibrating string length: 39 cm. Includes Kingham hard case.

$8,500

San Diego, CA

Treble viol by Charlie Ogle

Jul 9, 2020

Strung in open gut, with the bottom four strings from George Stoppani, and it comes with a soft case.

$2,300

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Bass viol by Charlie Ogle Workshop

Oct 7, 2019

Bass viol, Barak Norman model from Charlie Ogle Workshop, 2010. String length approx. 25 inches. Includes soft case in great condition, and bow (unknown maker) that needs to be rehaired.

$2,200

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Bass viol bow by Pieter Affourtit

Aug 7, 2022

Bass viol bow by Pieter Affourtit (2012). Figured snakewood stick and clip-in frog. The end button is removable which gives you two bows for the price of one.

72.5g, 77cm total length with button, 59.5 cm hair length

Asking $1600 USD, with reasonable offers considered.
Located in Montreal QC, but will ship anywhere within the US and Canada.

$1,600

Montréal, QC

Bass Bow by Eduardo Gorr

Jul 10, 2022

Bass bow by Eduardo Gorr (2018). 76g, 78cm.

$2,300

New York City, NY

Bass Bow by Christopher English

May 25, 2022

Viol bow by C. English. This has been used for two different 7 string viols; purchased in 2007 from the maker. It is a relatively stiff stick which works well for bigger viols.

$1,300

Philadelphia, PA

Bass viol bow by Harry Grabenstein

Dec 8, 2021

Bass viol bow by Grabenstein 72.5 grams; 29 5/8” length. No hair.

$1,900

Menlo Park, CA

Philip Davis bass bow for sale

Jun 7, 2021

Bass viol bow stamped “PL Davis.” Fluted figured snakewood stick and frog, imitation ivory button. 78 grams.

$1400

Louisville, KY

K&M music stand

Mar 24, 2022

Heavy-duty, black, in excellent condition, with a nylon carrying case and magnets. Local sale only.

$35

Oakland, CA

Sheet Music

Sep 8, 2020

I have a ton of viol music to sell for 50% of original cost plus shipping. Highlights include complete 5 part Holborne and Brade; complete 4 and 5 part Ward; Coperario; East; beautiful Monteverdi book; and much more.

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Walnut Creek, CA

Baroque Orchestra in Denver looking for a musician

Jun 7, 2022

The Highlands Community Orchestra is a Sight Reading Baroque Orchestra in Denver Colorado that practices on Saturday Morning from 10 to 12:30 . We have played together for 15 years and have a library of over 100 boxes of music. We are looking for a musician to join our group. Advanced intermediate musicians who play a violin family instrument (violists must also play violin), or a gamba family instrument or a recorder family instrument (must play both "c" and "f" fingering or a traverso player are welcome.

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Denver, CO

Wanted: Replacement frog

Apr 5, 2022

I need a replacement frog for my tenor gamba bow. Any suggestions or resources will be appreciated.

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Bryant, AR

Wanted: treble viol

Dec 16, 2021

I'm interested in restarting lessons on treble viol, but I'm missing one important element: an instrument. If you have one you'd like to sell, or know of anyone who might have a treble for sale, please contact me.

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Walnut Creek, CA

Stolen Grabenstein viol bow

Oct 5, 2021

I was the high bidder on a Skinner auction in June 2021 for the Grabenstein bow in the image. It was supposed to be shipped from Marlborough, Massachusetts to San Diego, California via FedEx by Global Pack Ship. The FedEx delivery person handed me a completely empty tube. Unbelievably, I could see straight through the empty PVC tube. If anyone has any information, please feel free to contact me.

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San Diego, CA

Found: Treble viol by Dan Foster

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A treble viol made by Dan Foster in 1980 has turned up in the Chicago area under circumstances that suggest it had been stolen. If you think you may have information about this instrument or its last owner, please send an email to the VdGSA webmasters.

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Lost: Bass viol

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I would like to report a viol gone astray (possibly stolen) while being shipped from Michgan to Pennsylvania in June 1998. Early (60's?) bass viol with hard case and bow, Shuster & Sons. Many signs of wear. Photos available. If anyone comes across it, please report its whereabouts to: Bob Purrenhage, 113 Central Ave., Berwyn, PA 19312; phone (610) 993-0936 or e-mail

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Stolen: Tenor viol

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A student-model, German-make, reddish tenor, with label "Buchstainer 1976" inside was stolen from Lucy Cross's apartment in New York on September 7, 2003. It's in a soft case with no handle (ripped off, and still in the apartment), with a bow by Uebel, extra strings (with Bill Monical's name on them), and a cake of rosin with thick wooden sides to it. The case is much too big for the instrument. If you come across this viol or hear about it, please contact the VdGSA webmasters.

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Found: Bass viol

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Found June 2018 in Durham NC. Six-string Chinese Song bass viol with carved head. Turned in at local guitar shop after being “found” in a dumpster.

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Stolen: 6-string electric viol by Eric Jensen

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On January 3, 2008, in UK: Dark rosewood instrument with a brace of aluminum and stainless steel. The reverse of the instrument has a tag that says "Jensen" and it was stolen in a black tubular case with a black preamp the size and shape of cobble. For pictures or to contact the poster please visit http://lorenludwig.com.

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