Hollow Body RES Viola
Our RES instruments are designed with every last detail respecting traditional construction principles. They have a sound chamber in Balkan maple and a vibrating sound board in red spruce, harvested in Val di Fiemme, Italy. They also feature a “sound post”, which serves as tone equalizer and enhances the bow reactivity. A finely crafted and smooth neck in maple together with a well-dressed fingerboard make the RES instruments very comfortable to play. The use of regular strings and a traditional bridge combined with a multi-source pick-up system give considerable tonal versatility for each musician to create their own sound. All violins also feature the Alter Ego Neck System that allows to instantly adjust the string action.models
The RES viola standard size is 40.5 cm. On request, we also make 39.5 and 41.5 violas.
Lutherie
Neck: one piece Balkan maple
Body: one piece Balkan maple
Sound board: red spruce, Val di Fiemme
Fingerboard, nut, pegs: Ebony
Varnish: Natural shellac applied by brush
Tailpiece: Ebony, w/ aramid fiber cord
String action: adjustable (Alter Ego Neck System)
String set: Pirastro / Larsen
Strings: 4
String length: 39.5 / 40.5 (standard) / 41.5 cm
Electronics
The RES violas come equipped with an active electronics system, powered with a 9V alkaline battery, and two sound sensors: one polymeric pickup, placed under the bridge, and a bridge-mounted microphone.
The proprietary active system is conceived to enhance the acoustic qualities of the ALTER EGO instruments. The two sound sources each have their own volume control so that a musician can easily shape their own desired sound.
Portability
Our violas have the same dimensions and weigh as much as a traditional viola before the electronics is added.
versions
On request, we also make left-handed RES violas, with left-handed ergonomics for supports and electronics.
accessories
Optional:
External headphones pre-amplifier. 9V powered and internal fine volume trimmer.
Equipped with mono coaxial cable and 6.3 mm on/off jack.
features
All RES instruments are also equipped with the ALTER EGO Neck System, which allows to instantly adjust, even during a performance, the string action by changing the neck angle.
DEMO
The demos proposed above are courtesy of our friends, visiting our shop. Audio recorded on the Focusrite Solo USB interface, instrument (line 1) connected directly to an amplified speaker (line 2 – Samson CO2 microphone). No preamp added, no equalization, no sound modification. We recommend listening with headphones.