Janos Bodor Viola
Janos Bodor Viola
Trained by his father, Janos Bador Sr, the younger Janos Bador established himself in Philadelphia, PA in 1956. Originally from Hungary, he brought a legacy of instrument making to America and joined his father in the employment of Moennig and Sons where he received high acclaim for his work which displays a mastery of wood selection and personal style that captures an exacting copyist detail of Italian masters, captured with exquisite colorful presentation. While his early career earned accolades for all instruments, his later, post 1990, career focused on violins and violas. Janos Bodor retired from making in 2022.
This viola, built in 2017, is an excellent representation of his later work, mature in his style and presentation. The ruddy color patina offers a brilliant presentation that matches the strong, outbound sound peaked with rich harmonics, even throughout and strong on the C-String. The large form, 16.5", offers a powerful sound, without woody undertone. A performer's viola, outstanding for anyone in love with the alto voice!
Key characteristics of the Bodor Viola:
Artisan Craftsmanship: Created by the skilled hands of Ferenc Bodor, these violas showcase his dedication to the art of violin making, passed down through generations.
Tonewood Selection: Bodor Violas are often made from carefully chosen tonewoods, contributing to their rich and expressive tonal qualities.
Aesthetic Elegance: These instruments feature an elegant design that blends classic aesthetics with subtle artistic touches, enhancing their visual appeal.
Tonal Excellence: Musicians appreciate the tonal excellence of Bodor Violas, which often produce a warm and resonant sound suitable for various musical genres.
Playability: Crafted with playability in mind, Bodor Violas offer musicians a comfortable and responsive playing experience.
Versatility: Bodor Violas are versatile instruments capable of adapting to different musical styles and performance contexts.
Hungarian Legacy: Owning a Bodor Viola connects musicians to Hungary's storied tradition of violin making and its cultural significance.
Musical Expression: These violas provide a platform for musicians to express their musicality and creativity through the instrument's refined craftsmanship.
