Gaspard da Salo

Gaspard da Salo, Brecia, , lived and worked from 1555-1610. His early instruments were said to be "violas" and "tenors", not always of four strings. Violins came later! Maple/sycamore was used as well as pear wood for the backs.  Heron-Allen tells of a light-brown amber varnish preference.Labels are not dated making instrument histories less definite!

This maker was selected at Violins of Plymouth to be a primary candidate for a viola reproduction. Amber-gold was chosen for the varnish.

This instrument is a fine viola with  satisfying, mello voice! Pegs are inlaid with MOP. F-holes are characteristic of da Salo. As with Maggini, the book on Brecian makers was closed in the mid 17th century with the onset of the plague! A resumption of luthier product and art will occur in Cremona.