William Elmore Viola, San Mateo, California, 1999
The William Elmore Viola – San Mateo, California, 1999 is a finely handcrafted American viola that reflects the precision, tonal refinement, and traditional craftsmanship of California violin making. Built in 1999, this instrument features carefully selected tonewoods and meticulous hand craftsmanship, producing a warm, rich, and well-balanced voice with excellent clarity and projection. Its elegant varnish beautifully enhances the wood's natural figure while allowing the instrument to resonate freely, making it equally suited to chamber music, orchestral performance, and solo repertoire.
Designed to be both responsive and comfortable to play, this viola offers a smooth, even response across all registers with the depth and warmth expected from a professional handcrafted instrument. Every detail, from the graceful arching to the refined scroll and precisely carved f-holes, reflects the care and attention that define fine American lutherie. Whether for an advancing musician or a seasoned performer, this viola offers outstanding musical character and lasting craftsmanship.
About William Elmore
William Elmore is an American violin maker based in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. A graduate of the Violin Making School of America in Salt Lake City in 1996, he has dedicated more than 25 years to making, restoring, and repairing violins, violas, and cellos. After graduating, he spent over two decades at the respected Roland Feller Violin Makers in San Francisco before establishing his own workshop, where he continues to build and restore fine string instruments.
Known for combining traditional European violin-making methods with the practical demands of modern musicians, William Elmore's instruments are appreciated for their refined workmanship, balanced tonal character, and excellent playability. His extensive experience in restoration and tonal adjustment has helped shape instruments that are both visually elegant and musically expressive, making them valued by players throughout the United States.