Don Rickert Musical Instruments

What Are ‘Alternative’ Violin Family Instruments?: Three New Articles On that Topic

Introduction These recent posts on www.RickertMusicalInstruments.com, by luthier Donald Rickert (me), will be of particular interest to players of such instruments as 5-string violins, octave violins, tenor violas, 5-string violas, octave violas and revival instruments such as the violoncello da spalla. With the exception of maybe the violoncello da spalla, classical repertoire is NOT the norm for alternative strings. The violoncello da spalla is becoming common in contemporary Baroque ensembles, which is sometimes thought of... Read more →

Brief Descriptions for Various Alternative Violin Family Instruments

Introduction This post provides brief descriptions of the various alternative and extended range violin family instruments made by D. Rickert Musical Instruments. The descriptions include the normal tuning for each instrument, as well as links to other reference material about each instrument. There are two related posts: Alternative Violin Family Instruments: What Are They For? Alternative Violin Family Instruments: Relative Sizes and Shapes of Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Range Instruments Travel / Backpacker Violin... Read more →

Alternative Violin Family Instruments: Relative Sizes and Shapes of Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Range Instruments

This article, which includes a photo essay, is about the different “form factors” of various “alternative” or “non-standard” violin family instruments, all of which are made by Don Rickert Musical Instruments. With a few exceptions, the images in the photo essay part of this post are of actual instruments made in the workshop of Don Rickert Musical Instruments, located in Hiawassee, Georgia, USA by the hands of me (Donald Rickert). The exceptions are as follow:... Read more →

Alternative Violin Family Instruments: What Are They For?

Related Articles: Alternative Violin Family Instruments: Relative Sizes and Shapes of Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Range Instruments Brief Descriptions for Various Alternative Violin Family Instruments In this context, “Alternative” or “Non-Standard” bowed string instruments refer to the following: Violin Variants 5-string Violins: See 5-String Violins and Fiddles Travel / Backpacker Violins: See Travel and Backpacker Fiddles (and Violas) Octave Violins (aka Tenor Violins): See Octave Violins, 5-string Violas and Octave Violas Travel / Backpacker... Read more →

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... 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... 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... 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... Read more →

Violoncellos da Spalla by Donald Rickert (Update Feb. 2024)

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] OR [email protected] Phone (in US): 706-896-0909 or 706-400-1481 (mobile) Update: I am rolling back the price for my Violoncello da Spalla Standard Model to its 2021 price! Recent instruments have sold for more than $13,000. No secret reason; it is all about what "the Market" wants. The new retro price... Read more →

Interview With Don Rickert About Pochettes in March-April 2023 Edition of Strings Magazine

Not too long ago I published an article about an interview I had with Strings Magazine about Baroque pochettes, aka 'pocket fiddles'. See: Donald Rickert is In the March/April 2023 Issue of Strings Magazine I summarized the Strings article, as it was then only available in print. It is now available in a digital edition. I am pretty certain that you can read the digital version free of charge. The link works for me, but... Read more →