Johnson string is the closest. Their lowest cost Viola (at least on line) is more than $1,200. Doesn't really give me much room to experiment. There are a number of smaller luthiers in the area, but not sure what kind of offerings they have. As a second year student, I'm not sure if a thousand dollar plus Eastman or Snow is a reasonable choice right now. I like some of your offers in the less than a thousand range. Question is, how much higher quality would these instruments be from what I already have. I just received the Glasser bow I ordered from Fiddlershop today. A very striking difference in the weight difference and the required pressure needed on this new bow. 

Hope you can see my delay in purchasing a new case. I how I just want everything, lol...