Don Rickert Musical Instruments

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 I am a Strings Magazine subscriber. Feel free to post an angry comment. If I am wrong, mea culpa! See: The Tiny Pochette Violin Made Constant Travel a Breeze for Dance Masters of the 18th Century I think that the Strings article has been good for business, as I have now made three Ranger IV Travel Violins and one Ranger IV Travel Viola this year, which is more than I usually make in a year. The Ranger IV Travel Violins and Travel Violas are basically Baroque pochettes on steroids, as they make use of principles that have been learned in the past 250 years, and use modern strings. They also have chin rests and removable shoulder rests, not to mention modern Wittner geared tuning pegs. Don Rickert on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/donrickert. This link gets you to ALL of my detailed contact information, my websites and social media. Our Podcast, 'Cool Instruments for Hep Cats' YouTube (video version): https://www.youtube.com/@Cool_Instruments_for_Hep_Cats/podcasts Spotify (audio version): https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cool-instruments-hep-cats Read more →

It's Baroque, Man! (or the Low-down on Baroque Violins)

Please visit the Don Rickert Musician Shop. This article is primarily for those considering acquisition of a proper Baroque violin. D. Rickert Musical Instruments has been making baroque violins, violas and violoncellos da spalla since our inception in 2007. We also make Baroque period pochettes (pocket fiddles) and their modern descendants, usually called Travel Violins. See the article in the March/April 2023 issue of Strings Magazine, 'The Tiny Pochette Violin Made Constant Travel a Breeze for Dance Masters of the 18th Century', for which Don Rickert was interviewed. We would love to talk to you about a baroque instrument built from the ground up or an existed instrument "back-dated" to Baroque configuration. Don Rickert on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/donrickert. This link gets you to ALL of my detailed contact information, my websites and social media. Our Podcast, 'Cool Instruments for Hep Cats' YouTube (video version): https://www.youtube.com/@Cool_Instruments_for_Hep_Cats/podcasts Spotify (audio version): https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cool-instruments-hep-cats ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~` A future article and maybe my podcast, 'Cool Instruments for Hep Cats' will focus on WHY? In other words, the many reasons why someone would want to take up the Baroque violin or fiddle (there was no real differentiation between violin playing and fiddle-playing in the old days). The fact is that if you need to ask "why?", you probably don't need a baroque violin. This article only deals with the instruments themselves and not with playing techniques or the evolution of the bows used to play them. I have touched on baroque playing technique and baroque bows in past articles.... Read more →

Violoncellos da Spalla by Donald Rickert

We announced this very cool instrument in 2018. Since then we have made almost two dozen Violoncellos da Spalla for customers all over the world. Our instruments are played by some of today's preeminent Violoncello da Spalla players, as well as many advanced amateur players alike. Well-known Suzuki Teacher and professional violist/violoncello da spalla performer, William Hurd is pictured here with his Rickert-made violoncello da spalla over his shoulder. Note: "da spalla" does mean literally "for the shoulder" in English, but the photo does NOT depict the actually playing position! We will get to that. Please contact us if you wish to discuss purchasing one of these fine instruments. Our email is [email protected] and phone number is (706) 896-0909 or (706) 400-1481 (mobile). Visit us at the Don Rickert Musician Shop. See and hear some demonstrations of our Violoncellos da Spalla. The demonstrations below are but two of a large and growing number that can be seen and heard on our Violoncello da Spalla Demo Page. The incredible Andrew Gonzalez performing on our Violoncello da Spalla by Don Rickert. Heifetz 2018: Violoncello da spalla | Andrew Gonzalez Plays Bach Bach 6th Suite Gigue on Violoncello da Spalla Introduction Prior to 2018, we received a number of inquiries about the violoncello da spalla, based largely on our reputation for making extraordinary octave violins, mezzo violins and professional-level travel violins, which are modern versions of the dancing master's pochettes (portable pocket fiddles) of the Baroque Period. In 2018, I decided that the... Read more →

Violoncello da Spalla in Old-Time Music: A Match Made in Heaven

If you don’t know what a violoncello da spalla is, click here for a description. The short explanation is that it is a very small 5-string cello that is suspended by a shoulder strap and played across the chest more or less under the chin, as shown in the image of our friend Peter Walker in full Scottish Highland dress. The violoncello da spalla has no well-established connection to 18th Century Scotland; however cello was definitely widely used in Highland fiddling as basso continuo to the fiddle. The dominant figure in Scottish Baroque fiddling, Niel (aka "Neil") Gow (1727 – 1807), was usually accompanied by his brother Donald on cello. Anyway, the violoncello da spalla is an early to mid 18th Century (i.e., Baroque) instrument that is enjoying a resurgence of popularity, particularly among experienced viola and violin players who are Baroque period enthusiasts. Why violists and not cellists? (Actually, many cellists have taken up the instrument; however, most of my highly accomplished violoncello da spalla clients are violists). Because of its playing position, one bows from the treble side like a viola or violin, which is backwards to a cellist. Cello has been used in Old-time music for a long time. The first time I saw a cello in an Old-Time string band was at the U.S. National Folk Festival, which was at that time held in Northern Virginia at the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, in 1976. And the cellist was playing a 1/2 size... Read more →

Don Rickert Musical Instruments, Makers of Violoncellos da Spalla and Other Fine Bowed Instruments

For more information about us, including our online store, the Don Rickert Musician Shop, see Introducing the Don Rickert Musician Shop. Don Rickert Musical Instruments is a premiere designer and maker of innovative custom and historic musical instruments. Since starting our musical instruments enterprise in 2007, we have dealt primarily in those of the bowed variety (e.g. violins, fiddles and related instruments such as octave fiddles). We have also designed and made a number of fretted instruments along the way: mandolins, parlor guitars, acoustic bass guitars, tenor guitars and the like. We will soon be branching out in a serious way into the world of fretted musical instruments. Look forward to some really interesting mandolins, octave mandolins, mandocellos, parlor guitars, acoustic bass guitars, tenor guitars and the like. Regular production items are usually available at the Don Rickert Musician Shop. If you want something that is not there, give us a call... Our email is [email protected] and main phone number is (706) 896-0909. Don Rickert's mobile phone number is (706) 400-1481 Mailing address: Don Rickert Musical Instruments 726 Hall Creek Road Hiawassee, GA 30546 See: Our new online store, the Don Rickert Musician Shop (www.DonRickertMusicianShop.com) Our companion blog, Don Rickert Musician Shop: Latest News (www.DonRickertMusicianShop.com/blog) The Facebook page of our owner, Donald Rickert (We still have a large number of photo albums there) (www.facebook.com/donald.rickert1) Our new company Facebook page, also called D. Rickert Musical Instruments (www.facebook.com/DonRickertMusicianShop) Our YouTube Channel: www.YouTube.com/DoctorFiddle >>>>>>> Click here for Our full contact information <<<<<<<< ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~... Read more →

Video Treat: A Master (Andrew Gonzalez) Playing Our Violoncello da Spalla

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,... Read more →

Newly Completed Violoncello da Spalla by Don Rickert

This is an old post! If you wish to learn more or buy this very cool instrument, our direct phone number in the U.S. is 1-706-896-0909. Our email is [email protected]. You can also learn more or buy now at: NEW Violoncello da Spalla Conservatory Model by D. Rickert or learn more about our top-of-the-line Standard Model, see: NEW Violoncello da Spalla by D. Rickert ($8,400 - $9,600) We look forward to hearing from you. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Original Article >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> We have just completed the first of three current commissions for our new Violoncello da Spalla. We will periodically publish reports, including video recordings, of this new instrument as it is put through it paces by its owner, a top Baroque period musician based in New York and Virginia. 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. 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 post entitled Announcing the Long-Awaited Violoncello da Spalla by D, 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... Read more →

Comparison of the Two New Violoncello da Spalla Models by D. Rickert

Attention!: The article originally in this location is obsolete; however, people (or bots) continue to view it at a disproportionately high frequency. Apparently, one or more websites contain a link to this out-of-date article. It refers to the Cello da Spalla Moderno, which was discontinued due to complete lack of customer interest. What you really want is to learn more about our current Violoncello da Spalla models. See the recent (and currently accurate) article, which itself contains links to other recent and accurate articles: Is It Finally Time For a Master-Built Violoncello da Spalla? If you wish to learn more or buy a Violoncello da Spalla, our direct phone number in the U.S. is 1-706-896-0909. Our email is [email protected]. You can also learn more or buy now at: NEW Violoncello da Spalla Conservatory Model by D. Rickert or learn more about the Standard Model, see: Violoncello da Spalla by D. Rickert or, learn about the Standard Plus Model, see: NEW Violoncello da Spalla by D. Rickert (Standard Plus Model) We look forward to hearing from you. Read more →

Announcing the New Cello da Spalla Moderno by D. Rickert

Attention: This article is obsolete; however, somebody keeps viewing it, so we will leave it up. It refers to the Cello da Spalla Moderno, which was discontinued due to complete lack of customer interest. What you really want is to learn more about our current Violoncello da Spalla models. If you wish to learn more or buy a Violoncello da Spalla, our direct phone number in the U.S. is 1-706-896-0909. Our email is [email protected]. You can also learn more or buy now at: NEW Violoncello da Spalla Conservatory Model by D. Rickert or learn more about the Standard Model, see: Violoncello da Spalla by D. Rickert or, learn about the Standard Plus Model, see: NEW Violoncello da Spalla by D. Rickert (Standard Plus Model) We look forward to hearing from you. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Original article begins below >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Introduction We are very pleased to announce our new Cello da Spalla Moderno right on the heels of our recent Baroque Violoncello da Spalla announcement. The Cello da Spalla Moderno is a modern reinterpretation of the 18th Century violoncello da Spalla and is designed for contemporary players, particularly fiddlers, violinists and violists performing in traditional, folk, and any number of alternative genres. Just as a modern violin is routinely used to play Baroque music, so can the Cello da Spalla Moderno. The Cello da Spalla Moderno is, like all “da spalla” instruments, played suspended by a strap across the chest; however, this instrument is much easier for a fiddler or other non-cellist to... Read more →

Announcing the Long-Awaited Violoncello da Spalla by D. Rickert

This is an old post! If you wish to learn more or buy this very cool instrument, our direct phone number in the U.S. is 1-706-896-0909. Our email is [email protected]. You can also learn more or buy now at: NEW Violoncello da Spalla Conservatory Model by D. Rickert or learn more about the Standard Model, see: Violoncello da Spalla by D. Rickert or, learn about the Standard Plus Model, see: NEW Violoncello da Spalla by D. Rickert (Standard Plus Model) We look forward to hearing from you. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Original Article >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> We announced this very cool instrument just several weeks ago and are already building three for customers. As of this writing, the next one ordered would be completed by mid-Summer, 2018. We are the one of the sources in the U.S. for true replicas of this 18th Century instrument. Introduction Over the past year, we received a number of inquiries about the violoncello da spalla. Recently, we started making them on a custom basis. We, in fact have a healthy backlog of commissions for these instruments. We decided that the time is right for the violoncello da spalla as a standard product offering. Ours is a meticulously replica of an 18” violoncello da spalla in proper Baroque configuration. While the instrument is built for gut strings, it can be strung with more trouble-free and sonorous modern synthetic core (i.e “Perlon”) strings. Background: What is a Violoncello da Spalla? The violoncello da spalla (Italian for “cello of the shoulder”) was,... Read more →