Viola da Gamba Society of America

6-string bass viol by Paul Hart

Nov 25, 2022

Bass Viol, 6 string
after Barak Norman, c. 1700
built by Paul Hart
Salt Lake City, Utah. 1978.

The tone, playability, and expressiveness of this gem of a division viol will surely be of exemplary service in the pursuit of your interpretive goals and ideals. A masterful instrument built by a long-standing master luthier.

Dimensions:
Vibrating string length: 66 cm
Upper bout: 28.1 cm
Lower bout: 36 cm
Body depth: 13 cm
Body length: 63.5 cm
Total length: 118.7 cm

Please contact Laszlo at steinhoff.lr@gmail.com for more information, photos, or to trial. Located in Baltimore but can discuss transport.

$7,200

Baltimore, MD

Domonkos Gellert after Stadelmann 5-string Viennese Violone

Nov 6, 2022

Outstanding sounding and playing 5-string Viennese violone. Currently strung all gut with F-A-D-F#-A but could be strung in any other historical tuning. Comes with a custom Turquoise Messina gig bag. This instrument, which I worked closely with the luthier to build to historical specifications, sounds and plays better than violones/basses selling for 3-4 x this cost. Not wanting to sell this instrument, but due to unfortunate life events, I must part with it. Willing to drive part of the way from Fort Wayne, Indiana for a serious buyer.

$9,000 OBO

Fort Wayne, IN

Francis Beaulieu after Michel Colichon (1691) 7-string viol

Nov 6, 2022

Beautiful large 7-string bass viol by Francis Beaulieu. Currently strung with Toro strings for A=392, but can be tuned up to try at 415. Comes with a custom IKA hard case. Carved pirate head and ornamented peg box. Ornamented belly. I thought I would keep this viol for life, but due to unfortunate life events I must now part with it. More photos upon request. I'm willing to meet part way from Fort Wayne for a serious buyer. I also have a Marais bow custom made by Jérôme Gastaldo for sale that I had made to match this viol.

$13,000

Fort Wayne, IN

Warnock Treble Viol for Sale

Nov 5, 2022

1988 Treble Viol by Donald Warnock, Wilton, NH 1988, in excellent condition. A fine, clear instrument with beautiful high register, even throughout.

$7,800

Great Barrington, MA

Francis Beaulieu After Barak Norman 6-String Viol

Nov 5, 2022

Highly ornate six-string viol I commissioned from Francis Beaulieu. Unfortunately due to some unfortunate life events, I must part ways with this amazing instrument. Carved head, carved ornaments on back, purling everywhere. 68 cm string length. Francis charges significantly more for this model today. I’m selling this bass with a Chinese fiberglass case that I made custom flat to accommodate.

$14,000

Fort Wayne, IN

Tenor viol by Edward Maday for sale

Oct 27, 2022

Tenor viola da gamba by Edward Maday, 1997, with a tenor viol bow by Arthur Bultitude and a Mooradian soft case. Body length 49.4 cm; vibrating string length 52.1 cm. Excellent condition. Viol, bow and case included.

$10,750

Chicago, IL

Five string vielle by Westover Workshops

Oct 27, 2022

Five string vielle by Westover Workshops, 1989, neck with carved head. Body length 438 mm, string length 472 mm. Excellent condition. Unmarked serviceable bow and handmade custom plywood box case included.

$1,800

Chicago, IL

Charlie Ogle Deluxe Model Treble Viol

Oct 13, 2022

This instrument is made with figured maple back and spruce top. It has purfled borders on the top, three purfled ornaments on the back, and a carved head. This model instrument is suitable for both consort and solo playing. Soft case is included. The viol has been refurbished under the direction of Gail Schroeder.

$2,750 or best offer

Johnson City, TN

Violone by Hans Jordan with bow by Gunther Hellwig

Oct 11, 2022

Excellent condition violone by Hans Jordan (1940), sold with exceptional bow by Gunther Hellwig. Instrument comes with perfectly-fitting gig bag. You will want to invest in new strings. Currently set up as a D-violone, but would serve well as a G-violone. String length: 90 cm; bottom ribs width: 51.5 cm; top ribs width: 40 cm; body depth: 17 cm; bridge height: 11.5 cm; nut width: 4.75 cm. More pictures here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/puFqqEGZzRxEZs6g8

$9,200

Los Angeles, CA

6-String Bass Viol by Karl Dennis

Sep 27, 2022

The instrument is modeled after the Hart House Tielke. It has a top of quarter sawn book matched spruce of medium width grain which is finer at the center joint and widens toward the flanks. The back is two pieces of quarter sawn maple of a strong medium-sized figure, with the figure slanting slightly down from the center joint. The ribs and scroll are of similar well figured wood. The varnish is of a red orange color, applied over a warm yellow ground. The peg box sides and back are carved in low relief and terminate in a carving of a woman’s head. The instrument bears a signed label dated 2001. It is in excellent condition.

Specifications:
Upper bout: 31.4 cm
Center bout: 22.5 cm
Lower bout: 37.3 cm
Length: 67.4 cm
The price includes a bow by Emmanuel Begin and a soft case by Mooradian.

$18,000

Boston, MA

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

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

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 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

$6,500

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

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 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

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 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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Louis Begin bow

Dec 1, 2022

Excellent condition, used professionally as a gamba bow and also for baroque cello. Purchased in 1983. Bow case included.

$1950

Nantucket, MA

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

Treble viol bow by Harry Grabenstein

Jan 1, 2021

Treble bow by Harry Grabenstein in excellent condition. Total length: 695 mm. Weight: 45 g. Willing to ship.

$1,500

San Diego, CA

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