With high-end bespoke musical instruments, "trying before buying" is not usually a realistic possibility. It NEVER has been. Potential buyers who cannot wrap their minds around this fact are limited to used instruments or mass-produced instruments from large musical instrument mega-stores, who have the cash reserves necessary to absorb the losses associated with returns as part of the cost of doing business. Buying a master level instrument is a lot like buying a new car - once you drive it off the lot, it is yours. This is why most instrument makers, including us, work very hard to build a great reputation for quality and trustworthiness.
Nevertheless, musicians planning on purchasing musical instruments often want to hear these instruments being played by accomplished musicians. Seeing the instruments being played is even better. Making this happen has always been easier said than done. The fact is, it is exceedingly difficult to produce a well-executed professional quality audio recording. Making a compelling video recording is even harder. For this reason, obtaining good video demonstrations of our instruments has always been a rare treat. We are delighted and awestruck by a recent video recording of the brilliant performance of Andrew Gonzalez, for whom we recently completed a Violoncello da Spalla set up in full Baroque configuration. Andrew, you have our compliments and gratitude.
Watch the video and be amazed!
The violoncello da spalla is a small 5-string cello that is held across the chest, suspended by a small shoulder strap; hence, the name, which, in Italian means literally "cello of the shoulder". It is often described as a "cello for violinists and violists". We are one of only a handful of makers worldwide. As Andrew Gonzalez clearly demonstrates in the video, this instrument is ideal for Baroque repertoire, especially the notoriously difficult-to-play cello works by Bach. We are absolutely certain that this instrument is also a heavenly match for Celtic music (especially Scottish Highland), as well as Contra Dance and Old-time repertoires, particularly the "Down-East" (i.e. New England and Canadian Maritime provinces) variants. How would you like to be the first fiddler on your block to bring one of these to a session?
To learn all about this exciting instrument and how you too can have one, see the product details at the Don Rickert Musician Shop (Violoncello da Spalla by D. Rickert). See also our earlier posts:
Announcing the Long-Awaited Violoncello da Spalla by D, Rickert
Newly Completed Violoncello da Spalla by Don Rickert
There is a complete photo album of this newly-completed instrument on our Facebook page (D. Rickert Musical Instruments) - See the album entitled New Violoncello da Spalla by Don Rickert.
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