D. Rickert Musical Instruments

03/25/2026

Take a look at some of the unique instruments by Don Rickert in 2026!

I try to start every year with a basic idea of what I am going to build in the coming year. This is my way of establishing some type of focus, especially when there is a lot of chaos going on, like…

03/22/2026

A violin for international air travel and extreme adventure. The instrument, in its case, fits into a standard 22" roller suitcase.

I always breath a sigh of relief when a newly completed instrument gets to its destination, especially when shipped to somewhere else in the world. This one is now in the custody of a happy client.…

10/14/2025

Two new Octave Violins and a 5-String violin are partially built and can be ready to ship possibly by the end of November 2025, but definitely by the end of the year. Price for each is $7,700.

The new Double-Fat Strad Octave Violin has been getting attention of late. I am confident that the newest iteration of the Fat Strad 5-String Violin will be getting some good attention once a few a…

10/14/2025

Violoncello da Spalla by Donald Rickert available now. Very sweet deal.

This is an update of a previous post, with even more attractive terms. It can be purchased for as little as $8,700. This is a chance to acquire a luthier-built Violoncello da Spalla from one of the…

10/04/2025

An Octave Violin is tuned almost as low as a cello. I have been making these instruments on a professional basis since 2007. To really appreciate the sound of a state-of-the-art purpose-built octave violin, one needs to hear one in the hands of an accomplished fiddler or violist. Here are three new videos for Old-Time and Celtic enthusiasts.

Introduction Anyone who has followed this blog for the past 15+ years or has ever spoken to me about musical instruments will know that I am passionate about Octave Violins, which are regular violi…

10/04/2025

Gallery of the unique instruments delivered so far this year.

I have been very busy in the first 3 quarters of 2025. I have completed and delivered 12 instruments thus far in 2025. The represent an even mix of ‘Conservatory’ level (intermediate “value priced”…

04/26/2025

A new Violoncello da Spalla with minimal wait time and great price! I have a new(ish) Violoncello da Spalla Standard Model that will be available to ship in about 60 days, or less. It is currently in the hands of one of my best customers, who is waiting for completion of a custom Exhibition Model Vd...

04/23/2025

Due to the apparent chaotic nature of new U.S. tariffs, everything about this topic is a moving target. I will post updates as appropriate. Key points My flagship instruments are made in the U.S. and, presently, there should be little, if any, effect on the prices of these more expensive instruments...

04/23/2025

Virtually all violin family instruments we make at D. Rickert Musical Instruments are fit with planetary pegs. The image of the violoncello da spalla pegbox/scroll clearly shows the planetary geared pegs, which look exactly like regular ebony pegs. Planetary geared pegs provide a profound enhancemen...

04/20/2025

This is an update of an article first published in April 2024. Just as in the past, this is a time of year to be thinking about a travel violin or viola if you are going to be needing one in the late spring or summer. While an update of a year-old article, the prices are the same. No inflation or ta...

04/17/2025

https://www.rickertmusicalinstruments.com/2025/04/the-latest-on-octave-violas-and-tenor-violas-by-d-rickert.html

New product listing for Octave Violas and Tenor Violas at the Don Rickert Musician Shop! For the first time in years, we have a specific product listing on our online store website, Don Rickert Musician Shop (www.donrickertmusicianshop.com), having treated Octave Violas as completely custom commissi...

03/11/2025

Brief descriptions, tunings and links to other references in this new article

Introduction This post provides brief descriptions of the various alternative and extended range violin family instruments made by D. Rickert Musical Instruments. The descriptions include the normal tuning for each instrument, as well as links to other reference material about each instrument. There...