We have introduced a new violin design, which we are calling the “Quasi-Mezzo Violin”, at least until we decide to call it something else.
Taken literally, “Quasi-Mezzo Violin” would indeed refer to “almost half of a violin” in Italian. That would be pretty funny. In reality, the colloquial meaning of “mezzo” (literally “middle”) in the realm of musical instruments is more like “between one thing and the other”. A “Mezzo Violin” is called such because it is between a violin and a viola, at least size-wise. A Mezzo Violin has the body similar to a small viola but is tuned exactly the same as a conventional violin; that is generally G3 D4 A4 E5. Similarly, a “mezzo soprano” refers to a woman whose vocal range is between (and overlaps) both the alto and soprano ranges. In other words, a soprano who can also sing lower notes in the alto range. How much of a range overlap depends on the individual singer.
Not familiar with the Mezzo Violin: Click here.
Our Quasi-Mezzo Violin is a lot like a Mezzo Violin. Indeed, it is designed to accomplish similar goals; specifically, a deeper tone and really impressive projection. Both instruments are somewhat larger than a conventional violin; but the Mezzo Violin has a longer body and the Quasi-Mezzo Violin has deeper ribs. So, we use the prefix “quasi”, which is Italian (and Latin) for “nearly” or “almost”. There you have it—Quasi-Mezzo Violin!
Should you want to learn more about this exciting new violin, see:
- New Quasi-Mezzo Violins by Don Rickert: 4-String, 5-String and Octave Violin Versions
- Introducing the Quasi-Mezzo Violin by Luthier Donald Rickert: Details
Our new Quasi-Mezzo Violin is available in 4-string, 5-string and Octave Violin configurations. Please feel free to contact me:
Donald Rickert
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (706) 896-0909 (main); (706) 400-1481 (mobile)
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