I started a thread in viola talk about 15” viola strings. It also included a statement about my donating this 15” viola purchased at (rescued from) a pawnshop to a school. It does not have a bow. This is an addition to the talk about donating that viola. Added info about a cello and question about bow for viola.

We rescued (purchased) a 15” viola at a pawnshop and will donate it to a local school that has an orchestra.

We are also donating the 3/4 cello we rescued from the pawnshop the same day. Nothing wrong with it. It has been there at least 8 months. They did nothing in all that time to get it ready for the floor. It was waiting for their luthier’s attention, like other string instruments they have. Pretty sure it was going to be tinder wood because how long can they afford to allow it to use up space? It is not a large pawnshop. I put new Jargar Student strings for a 3/4 cello on it. No marks or anything on the cello. Pegs turn nicely. Seams are all in tact.  Bought $200 at the pawnshop, and then about $100 for the strings. Better than it being unused at the pawnshop or destroyed.

The cello did come with a bow (not great, but straight) and padded case. I washed the case twice in my washer. Once right side out, then inside out and then dried it in the dryer. Whomever used it, took very good care of it. It was actually sold years ago at violin shop not far from the pawnshop. That violin shop changed brands for their student cello years ago. This is the original brand they sold. This is not the violin shop we go to. 

I cannot afford to do a lot of rescuing of these instruments, but this viola and this cello did not have anything really wrong with them. Some student will be able to use them.

QUESTION: Not sure if I should put one of my not-so-straight viola bows with the viola, just so the student has a bow. I have a couple that came with cheap violas that have just an ever so slight curve. I did not notice at first. The hairs kind of go ooff center just a tad when rosining. That is when I got suspicious after I learned more about bows and bowing. I looked down the bows at that time and noticed the ever so slight curve.

I have the rosin that came with the cheap violas to include. One will go with the viola, the other with the cello.

Any thoughts on including the not-quite-straight bow?