Contact Info.
Don Rickert on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/donrickert. This link gets you to ALL of my detailed contact information, my websites and social media.
Email: [email protected]
Phone (in US): 706-896-0909 or 706-400-1481 (mobile)
What is an Octave Violin?
An octave violin or octave fiddle, if you like, is a specially-designed or modified violin that is set up for and uses specifically-designed larger diameter strings and is tuned an octave lower (G2 to E4) than a violin in standard configuration (G3 to E5). The numbers after a note name refer to its octave vis-à-vis middle C, which is C4. With a few exceptions, the lowest note on any musical instrument is somewhere around C0. Most adult humans cannot even hear notes that low.
An octave violin is played like a regular violin, as it usually has the same critical ergonomic dimensions as a standard violin. The most significant of these dimensions are a body that is about 14 inches long (give or take) and a playable string length of about 13 inches.
For a far more detailed discussion of Octave Violins and related instruments, see: Octave Violins, Tenor Violas and Related Instruments from Donald Rickert
What is a Tenor Viola?
A “tenor viola” is our name for a viola-sized octave violin; in other words, a viola tuned like an octave violin (G2 to E4). Please note that, historically, tenor viola referred to various large violas, usually tuned lower than a regular viola. Today, tenor violas need not be larger than regular violas. This is possible because of the advanced technology underlying modern strings, such as the use of extremely heavy windings and core materials, like titanium and tungsten.
Who are octave violins and tenor violas for?
All of these instruments are geared to musicians seeking to explore the tenor and baritone ranges and for whom the larger violoncello da spalla may not be the best choice. See the image of a Violoncello da Spalla in action. This often boils down to cost and/or playability. In other words, violoncellos da spalla are pretty expensive and, while small in comparison to a 4/4 cello, are enormous in comparison to a violin.
If you are interested in a deep dive on the octave violin vs. violoncello da spalla debate, see: Octave Violin or Violoncello da Spalla?
Our Current Offerings in the Octave Violin Space
The standard tuning for all of these instruments is one octave lower than a violin (i.e. G2 D3 A3 E4)
Performer Octave Violin (Starting at $2200)
The Performer Octave Violin image shown here has a custom head stock of a bearded man. Note that the instrument comes standard with a normal violin scroll.
Brief description
This is a “normal” violin that is configured and set-up as an octave violin. The instrument starts its life as a high-quality “white” instrument that is roughly graduated and without a bass bar. In our workshop located in the North Georgia Mountains (Hiawassee, Georgia USA), we graduate the top and back to obtain a “tap tone” with a higher frequency fundamental than usual. We also fit it with a more substantial bass bar similar to a viola bass bar. Through many years of experience, we have learned that these optimizations produce a superior octave violin sonority and timbre. In other words, the sound is focused and louder than a standard violin with octave strings. You will not find a better-sounding octave violin for the price. It is the next best thing to a completely purpose-built octave violin.
The price includes Wittner Fine-Tune tuning pegs and D’Addario Helicore Octave Violin Strings. A hard case is included. Note that this instrument fits into a standard violin case; whereas our purpose-built instruments require an adjustable viola case to accommodate their substantially deeper bodies.
Who is it for?
In general, this instrument is for any musician who is ready to step up to a real octave violin. Because this instrument is not as loud as our purpose-built octave violins, it has become popular among Music Therapy Practitioners, as well as artists who will be using a pickup for live performance. We can even install any pickup you want per your specifications. It is less prone to feedback. Further, because it is not as rich in harmonic overtones, it works very well with effects that rely on fast real time tracking of fundamentals, such as harmonizers.
Product listing at www.DonRickertMusicianShop.com
We do not yet have an official product listing for this instrument at the Don Rickert Musician Shop website. We will soon. In the meantime, give us a call: 706-896-0909, email: [email protected].
Double-Fat Strad Octave Violin (Starting at $5200)
Brief description
This is a true purpose-built octave violin that has evolved over years of custom builds for discerning players. The plan profile (i.e. front view) looks pretty much like a traditional Strad pattern violin. The side view reveals the fact that its ribs are 40mm high rather than the 30mm ribs of a standard violin. With the higher ribs, its dimensions are proportionately closer to those of a cello; albeit, a tiny one.
Internally, it is graduated to optimize sonority and rich timbre, which is enhanced further by our bass bar, which is designed specifically for an octave violin. Interestingly, if strung with regular violin strings, it actually sounds quite nice; dark and quite loud. Some players, especially fiddlers, have been using fiddles with deep ribs for years to achieve such a tone.
The sound is powerful and warm, as is very nicely rich in colorful overtones.
Who is it for?
The Double-Fat Strad Octave Violin is for accomplished musicians seeking a tenor-baritone range instrument that can hold its own acoustically; without reliance on a pickup or other sound reinforcement technology. Due to its non-augmented acoustic power, the Double-Fat Strad Octave Violin is ideal for Old-Time and Bluegrass jams, Irish session playing, as well as any other kind of acoustically-oriented ensemble performance. Of course, it can be, and often is, fitted with a pickup.
Product listing at www.DonRickertMusicianShop.com
See: Double-Fat Strad Octave Violin by Donald Rickert
See: NEW Octave Violin by Donald Rickert
OR
Give us a call: 706-896-0909, email: [email protected].
Artist Master-Built Octave Violin (Starting at $8500)
Images of this instrument will be available soon. The image below of our new Artist Model Violoncello da Spalla gives you a pretty idea of what it looks like.
Brief description
Like the Double-Fat Strad Octave Violin described above, the Artist Octave Violin is a true purpose-built octave violin. While the Double-Fat Strat has a plan profile that looks like a traditional Strad pattern, the Artist shape might be described as a modern take on a viol shape. While not cornerless (aka guitar-shaped), the C-bout corners are significantly less sharp than a traditional violin. It will look very much like our new Artist Violoncello da Spalla. See the image.
Also, like the Double-Fat Strad Octave Violin, the Artist model has deep (40mm) ribs. Internally, it is graduated to optimize sonority and rich timbre, which is enhanced further by our bass bar, which is designed specifically for an octave violin. The sound is powerful and warm, as is very nicely rich in colorful overtones.
Who is it for?
This instrument is for the most discerning of professionals and highly-skilled amateurs, and this is reflected in the price. Its unique design will surely be noticed.
Product listing at www.DonRickertMusicianShop.com
We do not yet have an official product listing for this instrument at the Don Rickert Musician Shop website. We will soon. In the meantime, give us a call: 706-896-0909, email: [email protected].
Tenor Viola (15.5” or 16” Tertis wide body) (about $4500)
Brief description
This is the current iteration of numerous custom instruments over many years. It is a Tertis pattern viola that has been optimized for the tenor tuning, which is the same as an octave violin, but for a viola-size instrument. This instrument is available in either the 15.5” or 16” size.
Our Tenor Viola puts out about the same amplitude of the Double-Fat Strad Octave Violin. It is louder than the entry-level Performer Octave Violin. Its larger and wider body produces a different timbre than an octave violin. It could be described as darker and maybe more like a larger instrument such as a violoncello da spalla or even a full-size cello.
I have a slightly used and refurbished 16” version available right now for an attractively discounted price.
Who is it for?
This instrument is an obvious choice for the experienced violist looking for a lower pitch range than a standard viola. That being said, this instrument has had an enduring popularity among fiddlers who like the darker tone. Like a viola compared to a violin, it is often described as more forgiving.
I will be happy to discuss its relative merits. Give me a call: 706-896-0909, email: [email protected].
Product listing at www.DonRickertMusicianShop.com
NEW Tertis Body Tenor Viola (one octave lower than violin) 15.5 inch or 16 inch body size
OR
Give us a call: 706-896-0909, email: [email protected].
Contact Information:
Please feel free to contact me if you wish to discuss a possible purchase of these instruments
- Mobile (voice or text): 706-400-1481.
- Landline: 706-896-0909
- Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
- Linktr.ee: donrickert (https://linktr.ee/donrickert)
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