![]() ![]() We have heard of Magginis converted to octave violins over a century ago. These instruments have long been used as small violas and work very well strung with octave strings. Instrument for experienced musicians who are confident about being heard. Well-made Maggini copies like this one really pack a punch and are not for the timid. ![]() Sometimes, invention and design is making small modifications to an existing design, in this case a 400 year old design. Alasdair Fraser either has, or will be recieving very soon, his new Rickert & Ringholz-Fiddarci Lutherie Cradley of Harmony Octave Violin. ![]() We actually have a short video clip with audio of Natalie Haas, the world famous 'cellist, playing the Chanot-type prototype itself.I just know that it will turn up! Other notable players in the montage are Alasdair Fraser and Laura Risk. The backing video is, as usual, Darci Jones of Fiddarci Lutherie and the band Hooley. ![]() ribs.that seems to be a sticking point with traditional luthiers in Europe, who don't know how to deal with innovative variations from the tried and true old patterns. The instrument sounds great and we will produce it as soon as we find a suitable lutherie who is willing to build us a true Chanot-type with 39 mm. The carbon fiber veneer is decorative in that it covers up some aesthetic "issues" resulting from the sawing, etc. Everything else was replaced, including the bassbar, soundpost, end block, neck block and, most importantly, the ribs, which are 39 mm. Don literally, to the horror of many I am sure, sawed (very neatly) the top, back and neck from the unwilling donor instrument. The mystery octave violin is a working prototype of an instrument designed (completely) and built partially (thanks to a donor Chinese-made Chanot-type violin) by Don Rickert of Rickert & Ringholz. This photo montage video shows many shots of an instrument not described on this site previously, as well as early versions of our current instruments in production. Note: While a 14" viola is a better base instrument than a regular violin for an octave conversion, this Maggini replica is actually larger (more air space) than a 14" viola and has a far superior sound and better playability. While this instrument can be played relatively effectively with a very high quality violin bow, Don Rickert recommends only a Glasser Octagonal braided carbon fiber viola bow or the new CodaBow Diamond Series braided carbon fiber viola bow for this instrument to achieve its full potential. Wittner planetary geared tuning pegs will be part of the conversion.the photos show very nicely fit rosewood pegs. As soon as they are available in the U.S. Conversion involves re-cutting the nut and bridge, installing Super-Sensitive Sensicore Octave Strings (Thomastik octave strings sound horrible on this instrument, but they do sound OK on lesser instruments), adjusting the soundpost and installing a Wittner polycarbonate tailpeice (the tailpeice is not shown in the photos). The conversion was inspired by a customer and designed (if you want to call it design) by Don Rickert. The baritone (octave) conversion is done by Rickert & Ringholz. This basic instrument (a Maggini copy) is made by Calvert Violins in Baltimore, MD, USA for Rickert & Ringholz ![]()
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