The Makers:

This viola was made in the workshop of master maker Charles Rufino.

Charles Rufino (b. 1952) is a master violin/viola maker in New York.  Rufino has impeccable training having graduated from the Newark School of Violinmaking in the 1977, then working with Nigogosian in NYC and Carl F. Becker in Chicago.  He opened his own business in Long Island in 1986. Rufino is at the top of his craft, a consummate business owner (The Long Island Violin Shop), a brilliant lecturer, and influential advocate for the arts.  Perhaps the best way to describe what he does and how he does it, let’s read Rufino’s own words: “The process of making a great violin (or viola), like the practice of any art to the highest level, is a matter of constantly refining a simple recipe, observing the results, and accruing small improvements…. a great violin requires a select set of well-seasoned wood dried for many years, a proven design. And the sensitive knowledge of an experienced artist to bring the wood and design to life.”

In this viola, Rufino used all his skills gained throughout his illustrious career to design a viola made in his workshop, that is wonderfully resonant and gratifying to play.

Appearance:

It has a beautiful orange-brown varnish over golden ground, with the medium grained spruce top and medium flamed two-piece maple back.

Sound & Feel:

This viola combines the depth and warmth with remarkable ease of play. Its refined, vibrant, and expressive tone offers a wide palette of colors and subtle nuances, making it well suited for any styles of playing.

Materials:

Belly: Spruce, Two-Piece

Back: Maple, Two-Piece

Specs:

Back length: 42.2 cm

String length: 37.1 cm