This instrument was an experimental study in the design of a violin-sized Viola d’Amore targeted for contemporary fiddlers rather than Baroque musicians. It is, for now, a one-off.

Unlike a full-on viola-sized 7x7 (i.e. 7 playable strings and 7 sympathetic strings) Viola d’Amore, this cool little violin-sized beauty has 4 playable strings and 5 sympathetic strings (i.e. a 4x5). The default tuning for the playable strings is the same as a violin, G-D-A-E. The sympathetic strings are gauged for a default tuning of A-D-G-A-D. This sympathetic string tuning is optimized for maximum harmonic drone in the keys normally used for fiddling, namely D, A and G. Further, this sympathetic string tuning works well with the most common cross-tunings of the playable strings. Adjustments can be made as desired, such as tuning the D-strings up to E and the G-string down to F# when using an A-E-A-E cross-tuning.

Our 14-inch 4x5 Violin d’Amore has a reinforced pegbox and is fit with 9 Wittner Fine-Tune™ planetary pegs. The instrument comes with a case that is appropriately sized to accommodate the extremely long pegbox.

You will be amazed and delighted by all of the complex droning overtones that radiate from this instrument. There is a close to zero learning curve for the experienced fiddler.