Antonio Stradivari ‘Archinto’ viola 1696 poster

By popular demand, The Strad is republishing one of its most sought-after posters – the 1696 ‘Archinto’ Stradivari viola – with brand new photography that brings out the colours and craftsmanship like never before. One of the treasures of London’s Royal Academy of Music, the ‘Archinto’ provides a model for luthiers to admire and copy even in the 21st century.

‘The 1696 Stradivari ‘Archinto’ viola is one of the most beautiful instruments in the world. It was made at a very felicitous time, just as the great master’s red varnish was reaching perfection and his designs — encapsulated in the gorgeous long pattern violins — were at their most elegant… The tone is archetypal Stradivari; clear and pure across all the strings, with a quick response and good articulation. In the hands of a great player it provides a wide range of tone colour. In contrast to the typically Brescian sound, it is more violin-like in quality and reveals a slight lack of potency in the lowest string.’ – John Dilworth in the June 1996 issue

Includes measurements, thickness and arching maps.