Don Rickert Musical Instruments

Just shipped a Violoncello da Spalla and Starting on A New and Very Special Instrument, the Violoncello da Spalla Artist Model (Number 1).

Violoncello da Spalla Standard Plus Model I just shipped a very nice Violoncello da Spalla to its new owner in the US. This one was NON-commissioned, meaning that it was built without a specific buyer lined up. It is a fine example of my “Standard Plus” model. If I am counting right, it was my 21st Violoncello da Spalla. I will continue to make this model, as it has proven itself over the past 6 years, including demanding professional performance usage. I know exactly what I have to do to build from this pattern so as to achieve the unparalleled tone and sonority for which my instruments have become well-known. New Model Violoncello da Spalla Artist Model Build Is Underway. Violoncello da Spalla Artist Model The build that is commencing is a commissioned instrument. This new Violoncello da Spalla is being built to the specifications of a new design I wrote about fairly recently. For now, it is designated as the Violoncello da Spalla Artist Model. See: New Violoncello da Spalla Model by Donald Rickert Available for Commission The new Violoncello da Spalla Artist Model is for accomplished musicians seeking the best sounding and most playable instrument possible, as well a distinctively unique appearance. My new Violoncello da Spalla model is a departure from “traditional” violoncellos da spalla made by me and other top luthiers. It is definitely my most expensive model to date but still costs substantially less than $20K. Violoncello da Spalla Artist Model: Description and Specifications For... Read more →

NEW Violoncello da Spalla Artist Model: Description and Specifications

The new Violoncello da Spalla Artist Model is for accomplished musicians seeking the best sounding and most playable instrument possible, as well a distinctively unique appearance. My new Violoncello da Spalla model is a departure from “traditional” violoncellos da spalla made by me and other top luthiers. It is definitely my most expensive model to date but still costs substantially less than $20K. Note: The first Violoncello da Spalla Artist Model is being built right now as a commissioned instrument (i.e., for a specific client). It will be finished late Summer 2024. I will periodically publish construction updates with photos. The images shown are NOT photos but rather high-fidelity illustrations created by a human (NOT generative AI!). Description The new Violoncello da Spalla Artist Model represents the culmination of everything I have learned from years of designing and making tenor and baritone range bowed string instruments (octave violins, tenor and octave violas and, of course, violoncellos da spalla). One thing that all of these low-pitched instruments have in common is that they are, theoretically, too small to produce a BIG sound with excellent tone. The same is true of my travel violins and violas, which are, essentially, modern versions of Baroque pochettes (aka pocket fiddles). The overall form factor of the Violoncello da Spalla Artist Model is not simply a matter of style, although a distinctive look was a design criterion. The almost viol-like shape with “gentler” (i.e., obtuse) corners is designed to be somewhat less stiff than a standard... Read more →

Chin Cellos (Octave Violas) AND Tenor Violas are Back!

Full disclosure: I LOVE violas, especially those that are tuned like a cello (chin cello or octave viola) or like an octave violin (tenor viola). It will be of interest to anyone who currently has, or is considering acquiring, a lower-pitched viola. The Chin Cello fad Do you remember the “chin cello” fad just a few years ago. As far as I have been able to surmise, this pretty much revolved around the apparently successful marketing effort by Bellefina, a Chinese company with an Italian-sounding name, that made inexpensive large violas that were set up with octave viola strings. I recall that they even made a 5-string version. Apparently, you can still get them, at least the 4-string version, if one is to believe product listings on the usual musical instrument megastores (e.g., Musician’s Friend, Guitar Center, etc.). I, for the life of me, don’t know where they might get their strings, as the company that made the ONLY standard retail octave viola strings, went belly-up during the COVID epidemic. Those strings were marketed under the Sensicore brand by SuperSensitive. I can tell you with near absolute certainty that there are NONE of these strings left in the supply chain. The same goes for other useful strings like viola F-strings, which were generally used for 6-string and some 5-string violas. We also used them as G-strings for violoncellos da spalla. The near disappearance of Chin Cellos With the unavailability of strings, the wide-spread interest in octave violas, and even tenor... Read more →

Index to Topics Related to Violoncello da Spalla in Past Episodes of ‘Cool Instruments for Hep Cats’

'Cool Instruments for Hep Cats' is a video podcast (YouTube), which delves into the realm of unusual and intriguing musical instruments. Episode 5, Part 1 just posted on April 24, 2024. It is one of three entire episodes, comprised of 11 parts, specifically about the Violoncello da Spalla. The host for all episodes is Donald Rickert, a musician and luthier as well, who makes various stringed instruments, including violoncellos da spalla. The guests for the Violoncello da Spalla episodes are: Andrew Gonzalez, a professional violist and one of the preeminent players, worldwide, of the Violoncello da Spalla (Cool Instruments for Hep Cats: Episode 5, Part 1) William Hurd is a professional violist, violoncello da spalla player and highly-respected Suzuki teacher (violin and viola) in the Washington, DC area. (Cool Instruments for Hep Cats: Episode 4, Parts 1-5) Daniela Gaidano is a violinist, violist and luthier specializing in making violoncellos da spalla. Her husband, Alessandro Visintini makes violoncellos da spalla as well. Alessandro is also a professional piccolo player. Daniela worked for the famous string maker, Aquila, where she was part-owner for 15 years. She and Alessandro are based in Northern Italy near Austria. (Cool Instruments for Hep Cats: Episode 3, Parts 1-5) Guests (Left to right: Dr. Don Rickert, Daniela Gaidano, William Hurd, Andrew Gonzalez) Cool Instruments for Hep Cats The 11 podcast segments comprise several hours of video content. That's a lot of time to sit still! So, as a service to my followers and friends, I have put... Read more →

New Episode of Cool Instruments for Hep Cats with Andrew Gonzalez on the Violoncello da Spalla

The video podcast (on YouTube), Cool Instruments for Hep Cats, Episode 5, Part 1 of 1 with the one and only Andrew Gonzalez has just posted. This is the first new episode in quite a while. In this one-part episode, Don Rickert and Andrew Gonzalez discuss the Violoncello da Spalla from the perspective of a professional player. Andrew Gonzalez is a violist and one of the preeminent players of the Violoncello da Spalla. Host, Don Rickert, is a musician and luthier as well, who makes various stringed instruments, including violoncellos da spalla. This will be of interest to anyone considering taking up the violoncello da spalla, as well as those who already have taken the leap. The large body of video content on YouTube and other social media featuring Andrew’s playing have inspired many. The key topics covered: What is a Violoncello da Spalla? Andrew’s discovery of the instrument a decade ago His Violoncello da Spalla journey Andrew’s quest for a good Violoncello da Spalla that he could afford Collaboration with American luthier Donald Rickert (the host of this podcast) to make him a professional performance quality instrument How the Violoncello da Spalla opened up a whole new career path How does a Violoncello da Spalla differ from a regular full-size 4-string cello? Difference in size How the instruments are held for playing Difference in sound Examples (playing demo) Use of scordatura to allow maximum use of open strings on some pieces Note: the podcast was conducted remotely, meaning that... Read more →

It's a Buyers’ Market for New Bespoke Musical Instruments.

Looking for the best prices ever on high-end bespoke instruments, especially: Violoncellos da Spalla Octave Violins Tenor and Octave Violas Travel Violins and Violas To find out more about the instruments I build, see: Don Rickert Musician Shop. “Buyers’ Market” means that it is exceeding hard for makers to sell their stuff to buyers. That is the way it is currently in the realm of bespoke musical instruments. So, it is time for a sale, right? Makers of custom things, such as violins and such, don’t do sales; rather, we lower base prices, offer attractive terms, and such. So, ATTENTION! Prices on the instruments that I design and make are now as low as they are EVER going to be. Actually, I have recently already posted announcements about new lower pricing. FYI, See: Travel Violins and Violas: Don't Miss Out on Substantial Trade-in Offer It’s Travel Violin (and Viola) Time 2024! Violoncellos da Spalla by Donald Rickert (Update Feb. 2024) Violoncello da Spalla and Tenor Viola Available for Sale Right Now! Special Pricing for a Violoncello da Spalla (Standard Model) and a Tenor Viola (additional information for prior article) I do have several instruments, which are not commissions, and are ready to ship. I look forward to talking to you about what you are looking for, at least with regards to musical instruments. 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... Read more →

Travel Violin Trade-in Offer Ends March 31, 2024!

Recently I posted two articles on our newest models of Travel Violins and Violas. See: Travel Violins and Violas: Don't Miss Out on Substantial Trade-in Offer It's Travel Violin (and Viola) Time 2024! In both of the aforementioned posts, I said that we would give a substantial trade-in for several popular travel violins by other makers towards the purchase of one of my travel violins or violas. There is little that I can do with these cheaper trade-in instruments, other than re-sell them at fiddlers' conventions and such. Don't need ANY more, but would still love to put one my instruments instruments in your hands. If you are interested in the trade-in offer, you have until March 31, 2024. That is a week from the publication of this post. I should mention that I have tweaked Ranger IV Travel Violin so that it fits into the smallest diameter case ever without sacrificing the great playability and sound. The width and depth dimensions have been trimmed a bit and the headstock geometry has been adjusted to accomplish this. If you want to know more I can tell you all about it. Give us a call now and save some serious money, like up to $500! Phone: 706-896-0909, email: [email protected]. Read more →

Alternative Violas for Non-Conformists Who Play Non-Orchestral Music

Introduction If you want to do anything with a viola, such as use it to play anything other than classical orchestral music, good luck finding a luthier who has ANY clue about what you are talking about. There are a few of us, but not many. If you are a member of the growing sub-culture of alternatively-tuned viola players, or even standard violas used for playing Old-Time, Bluegrass, Celtic, Jazz or Rock, you know what I am talking about. Well, we are here to listen to your tales of woe, and even provide a helping hand. We do alternative violas! In my 50+ years as a fiddler, I have always had a special place in my heart for violas. At an earlier point in life, I actually did get a little bit of formal viola training, I found that I was just not that interested in using a viola to play typical viola parts. Early on, I started acquiring violas to more or less use as big fiddles. I found that tuning violas like octave violins (G2 D3 A3 E4) best served my musical adventures. I also became interested in octave violas, or “chin cellos” as they are often called. And, then, there are the 5-string violas, which are essentially brawnier versions of 5-string fiddles, and can be tuned all sorts of ways to suit your musical interests. Here are some tunings, all of which I have experimented with over the years. Like a 5-string fiddle (C3 G3 D4 A4... Read more →

Travel Violins and Violas: Don't Miss Out on Substantial Trade-in Offer

In a very recent post, I mentioned that we would take a Cricket Travel Violin or a Wiplstix as a trade-in ($500 for the Cricket, $300 for the Wiplstix) for one of my newest travel violin or travel viola models. See: It’s Travel Violin (and Viola) Time 2024! Our trade-in allowance is not that much lower than the purchase price for the Cricket and Wiplstix. The trade-in can apply to either a Ranger IV Travel Violin OR an International Travel Violin OR a Ranger IV Travel Viola in any size (15" to 16,5"). Note that there is not yet a separate product listing for the travel violas, but I am working on that. Some have already heard the call! People are taking us up on the Cricket/Wiplstix trade-in program. We only need so many of these instruments; actually, don’t need any at all, so this trade-in offer’s days are numbered. Now might be the time to step up to a true luthier-built travel violin If you are thinking about it, now might be the time to think faster. Give us a call: 706-896-0909, email: [email protected]. Read more →

It’s Travel Violin (and Viola) Time 2024!

Special Trade-In Offer! For a limited time: $500 trade-in for a Cricket Travel Violin or $300 for a Wiplstix. 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 a travel violin or travel viola? 18th Century Pochette A modern travel violin has a full 13” (like a 4/4 violin) playable string length, but has a narrower body in the 1.75” to 4” range. Modern travel violins look much like their ancestors, 18th Century pochettes. The smaller body affords the use of an easily-portable tubular case. Also, modern travel violins are built to be far more durable than regular violins. Why do I say that it is travel violin season? Because Springtime is close. In the Spring and Summer months, we sell a lot of travel violins and travel violas, standard offerings as well as completely custom instruments. The main reason for this is simple: people do a lot more outdoor adventure activities during the warmer months. Travel fiddles are in their element in the outdoors. The reason I mention the timing issue is that almost every year, I have to turn down potential travel violin orders because there is insufficient available lead time. So, if you are planning on taking one of my instruments with you on a trip, leave enough time for me to make it. It usually takes about 5 weeks. Why would... Read more →