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 Our email is don@DonRickertDesign.com and phone number is (706) 400-1481 (mobile). You can also use the "Contact" link on this page.

This instrument is quite interesting. I designed this unique “spalla” initially as a custom one-off. It has a 15-inch or 16-inch body, which is essentially viola sized, but with much deeper ribs. The plan profile is quite small, even for a viola. A 16” or 16.5” body size is generally considered to be a full-size modern viola. While having a very small plan profile, the ribs, however, are 80mm (2.75 inches), which is just a bit less than a full-size standard violoncello da spalla. The standard tuning is an octave lower than a regular violin, with an additional B-string on the treble side (G D A E B). Without changing the strings, it can also be tuned down to F C G D A; that is, a viola with an additional F-string on the low end. It can also be set up with Octave Viola strings. 

It can be seen as a huge 5-string violin (or very fat small viola) that is set up to be played da spalla (i.e., with a shoulder strap). In theory, it can be played under the chin, provided that the player has a large physique or an unusually long neck.

The volume and tone of the Petite Violoncello a Spalla are breathtaking, and it is quite easy to play.

If you are considering this instrument, an Octave Viola, or even an Octave Violin my be a better choice, both being about the same price.