newest viola--a 15-3/4" Oliver--and a small trade show

[Chet Bishop]

Here is my latest viola;

Sitka top and blocks, Red Maple back and scroll, Big-leaf Maple ribs, and willow linings.

If any of you are in the Portland area, there is a small makers' show at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Hotel December 1st (Yes, tomorrow--sorry for the short notice) from 1 PM to 7 PM. Admission is free-- if you are in the area and have the time, stop by and say hello.

I will be exhibiting six violas, three violins, a cello and a five-string fiddle.

Chet

[Chet Bishop]

The show went well, though the attendance was quite low...Good time in general. I may have a sale-- a lady took a violin home for a week, on approval...we'll see.

Several very good players showed up, including Adam LaMotte (violinist/violist) and Jerry Bobbe (cellist), among others. There was a good bassist, too, but I didn't get his name.

The makers there were Dave Langsather, Jon Franke (who organized the event), Ken Altman, Seth Kimmel, and myself.

[Charlie Schultz]

Glad the show went well and hope you make the sale. That is a mighty fine looking viola!

[Chet Bishop]

Thanks, Charlie.

It is sounding better, day by day, too...it was kinda hard to set it down and leave for work this morning.
There are some varnish issues I will have to correct, but overall, I am pleased with it.

Chet

[Darrel Friesen]

Looks great. I like the one piece back.

[Chet Bishop]

Thanks, Darrel.

Final update: The lady will bring the fiddle back today...she likes it, but has more pressing financial obligations. She will keep my contact information and maybe in the future....

Nice exchange...pleasant person. I hope she and her husband get back to me someday.

[Douglas Ingram]

Nice viola. While it is too bad about the sale, I definitely appreciate honesty! I can understand and deal with a declaration of financial restrictions, just don't try and avoid the issue by cutting down the instrument, or whatever other excuse comes to mind.

[Chet Bishop]

Well...yeah, her husband needed dental work, and the roof needed repair. Pretty high priority stuff.