Bronek Cison 16” Viola – Chicago 2007

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Bronek Cison has a very fine reputation in violin making. Having grown up in Poland he is now living in Chicago. Cison studied in his native Poland under violin maker Andrzej Bednarski and worked in his own shop in Krauszów, in southern Poland, for a decade before receiving an invitation to work with William Harris Lee in Chicago. There he works alongside other fine makers who have come to the states from Czechoslovakia, Brazil, Japan, and his native Poland. Cison violins and violas are played by members of the Chicago and Dallas Symphonies. His instruments get high accolades for their rich and powerful sound.

The top plate is made from two-piece medium and even grained spruce. The back is made from two-piece maple with large flame descending from the center seam. The ribs and scroll are made from similar stock to that of the back plate. The oil varnish is a golden amber brown color.

Corpus 410.0 mm. Major Width 243.0 mm. Minor Width 194.0 mm. Rib Height 38.0 mm. Vibrating length-nut to bridge 368.0 mm

The viola has a rich bass side, powerful and smooth and responds well, even with a light touch from the bow. Its response is luxurious; it will melt you. The A and D strings match the strength of the bottom end and have their own reedy, woody character. The treble side helps the entire instrument come alive with a sweet brilliance but not bright. This viola rings and the presence of tone is instant. A player will feel the instrument pumping and vibrating. The workmanship is fantastic and truly is a professional sound for the demanding player.