We are consistently impressed with the full powerful sound of Stopka’s violas. This 16 inch viola is no exception it has a lot of power yet does not sacrifice the rich chocolatey tones so many of us love in a great viola. The low register speaks with dark authority and the upper range sings with lots of dynamic range available.

Wladek (Walter) Stopka has been a violin, viola, and cello maker for over 30 years.
Born and raised in Poland, Stopka started practicing violin making in 1978 in Krakow Poland in the shop of a very well known Polish Violin Maker.In 1989 Stopka emigrated to the U.S. with his family. For the last 20 years Stopka has been making instruments in his own shop located in the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL.

Stopka makes violas in 3 different sizes; a 16.5 viola, a 16 viola, and a slightly smaller than 16 viola at 15 3/4, all built on his personal model. Stopka uses high quality, old European wood for all his instruments. Stopka makes his own oil varnish with deep shades of reddish brown which results in a very attractive rich color.

We are big fans of Stopka’s violas, a number of his instruments were purchased by violists in the San Francisco Youth Orchestra and students at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

If you are looking for a larger viola consider checking out the Stopka 16.5″ viola we have available, and be sure to read this post highlighting some of the professional violas we have for sale.

• Year Made – 2019 Chicago
• Length of Back – 16″ (403mm)
• Condition – Excellent
• Vibrating string length – 14 3/4″ (375mm)