Alexander Batov's Page

Alexander, Your viola da mano is a stunningly beautiful instrument

Your viola sounds absolutely amazing: wonderful. Bravo!

I started playing baroque guitar for a few days but then had to give it back to its owner but now I am really excited as today  I have started hiring a renaissance guitar from the lute society :-). Yes I can't wait to play with Yair's kapsperger etc..

In fact we are! I wanted to send you a message but it was refused as we were not yet official friends!!!!
Can you tell me when you make a so-called "romantic guitar", I'd like to see and try it if possible. I still enjoy very much playing the barok guitar and the vihuela. Those days are frustrating as I broke my left arm last sunday while sailing on the channel, 4 weeks without playing, concerts concealed... all the best, Patrig

Alexander: Some time ago I posted a picture of an opened Fabricatore guitar and you expressed doubt that the braces were original especially the diagonal. I was perusing through my photo collection and I have two additional photos for you to examine. The braces appear to be of the same age , similar bulk and style in which they were cut, and there appears to be no other scars where there may have been any other brace placements. What has been your experience with Fabricatore guitars? Is there a possibility that this may be a fake ? The label appears to be similar to labels presented in many books , but even so that might be counterfeited as well. Opinion?

Саш, приветствую)! рад сердешно повидать неожиданно), мои контакты все в силе и действии, так что как что звони услышимся( эт я на счет инструмента), а пока всего наилучшего, Джаки привет!....

Hello Alexander, I made a mistake about the period of the first viola, from Minas Gerais. It's really from 18th cent.ury, as you said. These violas are from 18th and 19th century. I'll correct this information. Thank you, Fernando

Alexander, thank you for the info and link. The irony is that Mel lives 80 miles from me and we talk often on the phone. ---But have never discussed baroque guitar bracing!
After seeing the pics, I noticed that the original Voboam brace (removed and replaced with the diagonal brace) is much closer to the bridge than the bracing shown on my Stradavari plan. I should probably measure the location my plan and tell you who drafted it, and when.
I'm currently in Los Angeles (playing the lute on the TV show "House"), and won't be home for another 2 days. I will look into it when I return.
Thanks again,
Mike

Hello, Alexander
I posted photos of Brazilian violas, but resolution is not so good. I'll scan in a better resolution later.
My bests,
Fernando.