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 →

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 →

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 →

Octave Violin or Violoncello da Spalla?

Update Intro: This is an update to an earlier article entitled, Do You Really Need a Violoncello da Spalla? Since publication of the original post, much has changed with respect to the instrument alternatives, including cost and variety. For example, I have rolled back prices to 2021 level on the popular Violoncello da Spalla Standard Model. See: Violoncellos da Spalla by Donald Rickert (Update Feb. 2024). We are now once again offering a decent factory-made entry-level Violoncello da Spalla for a base price of about $2,500. A new higher-end Artist Master-Built Model will be available soon as well. When it comes to octave violins, we now offer three models, starting at less than $2,500. 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) Introduction You might find it strange that I am asking this question. After all, I am a luthier who makes violoncellos da spalla. Should I not just be happy when someone wants me to make one for them? Caveats Before you read this, you need to know the following: I am not playing “devil’s advocate” here. I am quite serious in asking the question. I am not a violoncello da spalla “hater” or even a violoncello da spalla skeptic. I do not care whether or not J.S. Bach actually had a hand in the invention of the violoncello da spalla or whether... 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 is what is was in 2021: $10,600, with a substantial discount for paying up front ($9,500). A new higher-end Artist Master-Built Model will be available soon as well. Also, we will once-again be offering a very usable factory-made entry level Violoncello da Spalla for about $2,500. See: NEW Violoncello da Spalla Basic Model by D. Rickert. All adjustments and setup are done in our workshop in the North Georgia Mountains. Many affordable upgrades are available as well, such as a hand-made Baroque figured maple-clad spruce-core fingerboard and matching Baroque tailpiece. Note: I know for a fact that some enthusiasts seeking a less expensive instruments have spent more than that on converted child's fractional size cellos and almost as much on seemingly budget priced eBay instruments, once the proper strings are purchased and necessary lutherie work to make them playable is done! I even know of people who tried to build their own, but still own a very expensive pile of wood. I understand, as that is how I got into lutherie, the ability to make... Read more →

Special Pricing for a Violoncello da Spalla (Standard Model) and a Tenor Viola (additional information for prior article)

Update: Since the original publication of this post, we have rolled pricing for my standard Violoncello da Spalla l to 2021 pricing, about $10K. This is about $3,000 less than the special pricing described below. As of today, March 2, 2024, we still have a Tenor Viola (tuned G2 to E4, like an Octave Violin) for the price of $3,500. The only reason for the price reduction is that it has been lovingly pre-owned and refurbished to better than new condition. Original Post: I recently announced that I have a newly-built Violoncello da Spalla and a refurbished Tenor Viola for sale. In that announcement, I mentioned special pricing, $13,500 for the Violoncello da Spalla and $3,500 for the Tenor Viola. Why the special pricing? A basic reason has a little bit to do with the competitive landscape. Quite simply, there are too many luthiers selling what amounts to their student projects as master-level instruments, often at attractively low prices. This is especially true in the world of niche instruments like violoncellos da spalla. This confuses those looking for an instrument and diverts business away from experienced makers. Competing on price is, in the end, a fool’s errand; however, a reasonable discount as a “nudge” is OK. Different reasons for each of the two instruments The Violoncello da Spalla The Violoncello da Spalla for sale is a nice example of my “Standard Model” in terms of workmanship, playability and, especially sound. It has a dramatically-flamed maple over spruce Baroque fingerboard and... Read more →

Violoncello da Spalla and Tenor Viola Available for Sale Right Now!

Update: Since the original publication of this post, we have rolled pricing for my standard Violoncello da Spalla l to 2021 pricing, about $10K. This is about $3,000 less than the special pricing described below. As of today, March 2, 2024, we still have a Tenor Viola (tuned G2 to E4, like an Octave Violin) for the price of $3,500. The only reason for the price reduction is that it has been lovingly pre-owned and refurbished to better than new condition. Original Post: Due to the bespoke nature of my practice, I generally do not have instruments hanging around that are ready to ship. Due to repeated resolutions that I have made to “get ahead of the game”, I presently do have two very nice tenor/baritone range instruments that are ready to ship. The first is a very nice example of my Violoncellos da Spalla (“Standard Plus” model). The other is a refurbished 4-string Octave Viola (i.e., tuned like a cello; sometimes called a “chin cello”) that I made a few years back. It is now set up as a Modern Tenor Viola, meaning that it is tuned a 4th lower than a viola, which is the same as an Octave Violin. You can also think of it as a large viola-sized Octave Violin, or even an Octave Violin on steroids! The Violoncello da Spalla The Tenor Viola This is a rare opportunity! If you have been looking, you know that the wait time for a commissioned violoncello da spalla... Read more →