15 1/2" Scott Cao "Artistic Series" viola, model STA850, 2009

This handsome, 15 1/2 inch viola from the Scott Cao workshops has a tastefully antiqued, warm golden red-brown varnish that enhances skilled workmanship and well-selected European maple and spruce tone woods.  Good-quality ebony pegs are carved in the "Hill" style and finished with faux ivory.  The viola speaks easily, and the sound is clear, resonant and rich, and has a particularly full warm tone on the C string for such a small instrument.  The viola comes with a case and bow.