Several years ago Darol Anger suggested that we make a baritone pochette. With the goal of developing a plausible octave travel violin, we had to figure a way to increase the internal air space substantially!...even though we have discovered ways to either circumvent or push the limits of the laws of physics with our travel / backpacker violins and fiddles, there is a finite limit to how far you can go in producing superior sound from an instrument that is theoretically too small.
We figured that we needed at least 30+ more cubic inches of internal air space for a decent-sounding octave backpacker fiddle. So, the new Don Rickert Lutherie Octave Travel Violin has approximately 35 cubic inches more internal air space than either the Neil Gow 22XL Travel Violin or the Adventurer IId. The body has essentially the same profile as the Neil Gow 22XL (i.e. plan view), which is approximately 14” long and just over 3.25” wide. The side views show how we increased the air space in the sound box.
BARITONE/OCTAVE FIDDLE and VIOLA PLAYERS - YOU NEED THIS ULTRA STIFF AND RESPONSIVE BOW to pull the notes from those F-A-T octave strings
This is not a joke! With this bow your baritone violin or fiddle strung with octave strings will sound better immediately. You may need 5 or 10 minutes to get used to using less muscle to move those strings.
We are a proud authorized CodaBow dealership. This may only be relevant to you if you care about the 10-year warrantee (Lifetime warrantee in the case of the top-of-the-line bow).
The CodaBow Diamond Collection are state-of-the-art braided carbon fiber bows for Violin or Fiddle. Master makers and leading scientists at CodaBow have combined their lifelong experience to create a collection of bows that elegantly blend bow making's time-honored principles with today's most innovative bow technology. The DIAMOND Series bows offer advanced performance for serious players. Agile and accomadating, the CodaBow Diamond Series Bows elevate players to new levels.
CodaBows are American-Made, Crafted in Winona, Minnesota
BARITONE/OCTAVE FIDDLE and VIOLA PLAYERS - YOU NEED THIS VERY RESPONSIVE BOW to pull the notes from those F-A-T octave strings. Plays like a really good Pernambuco bow!
This is not a joke! With this bow your baritone violin or fiddle strung with octave strings will sound better immediately. You may need 5 or 10 minutes to get used to using less muscle to move those strings.
We are a proud authorized CodaBow dealership. This may only be relevant to you if you care about the 10-year warrantee (Lifetime warrantee in the case of the top-of-the-line bow).
The CodaBow Diamond Collection are state-of-the-art braided carbon fiber bows for Violin or Fiddle. Master makers and leading scientists at CodaBow have combined their lifelong experience to create a collection of bows that elegantly blend bow making's time-honored principles with today's most innovative bow technology. The DIAMOND Series bows offer advanced performance for serious players. Agile and accomadating, the CodaBow Diamond Series Bows elevate players to new levels.
CodaBows are American-Made, Crafted in Winona, Minnesota
BARITONE/OCTAVE FIDDLE and VIOLA PLAYERS - YOU NEED THIS ULTRA STIFF AND RESPONSIVE BOW to pull the notes from those F-A-T octave strings
This is not a joke! With this bow your baritone violin or fiddle strung with octave strings will sound better immediately. You may need 5 or 10 minutes to get used to using less muscle to move those strings.
We are a proud authorized CodaBow dealership. This may only be relevant to you if you care about the 10-year warrantee (Lifetime warrantee in the case of the top-of-the-line bow).
The CodaBow Diamond Collection are state-of-the-art braided carbon fiber bows for Violin or Fiddle. Master makers and leading scientists at CodaBow have combined their lifelong experience to create a collection of bows that elegantly blend bow making's time-honored principles with today's most innovative bow technology. The DIAMOND Series bows offer advanced performance for serious players. Agile and accomadating, the CodaBow Diamond Series Bows elevate players to new levels.
CodaBows are American-Made, Crafted in Winona, Minnesota
Several years ago Darol Anger suggested that we make a baritone pochette. With the goal of developing a plausible octave travel violin, we had to figure a way to increase the internal air space substantially!...even though we have discovered ways to either circumvent or push the limits of the laws of physics with our travel / backpacker violins and fiddles, there is a finite limit to how far you can go in producing superior sound from an instrument that is theoretically too small.
We figured that we needed at least 30+ more cubic inches of internal air space for a decent-sounding octave backpacker fiddle. So, the new Don Rickert Lutherie Octave Travel Violin has approximately 35 cubic inches more internal air space than either the Neil Gow 22XL Travel Violin or the Adventurer IId. The body has essentially the same profile as the Neil Gow 22XL (i.e. plan view), which is approximately 14” long and just over 3.25” wide. The side views show how we increased the air space in the sound box.
We only sell these strings to customers of our Octave violins and fiddles.
Sensicore Octave Violin Strings by SuperSensitive are the ones we string our own Octave Violins and Fiddles with. We can also supply the Thomastik Octave Strings; however, we must discuss first, as these strings only sound good on certain instruments.
These strings are tuned an octave lower than Sensicore® violin strings while using a regular size violin The multi-filament synthetic core provides the feel of traditional gut strings and stability under temperature and humidity changes
The Octave Violin Darci Jones Model (aka the "Type II" Model) was designed by Dr. Don Rickert, IDSA of Don Rickert Research & Design in collaboration with Fiddarci Lutherie in Birmingham, AL, who also builds the instruments, is a William Sidney Mount "Cradle of Harmony" inspired instrument, but with Chanot-type "slit" soundholes, with many modifications based on recent research in bowed string instrument acoustics.
The W.S. Mount Octave Violin, designed by Dr. Don Rickert, IDSA of Don Rickert Research & Design in collaboration with Fiddarci Lutherie in Birmingham, is our William Sidney Mount "Cradle of Harmony" inspired instrument, with many modifications based on recent research in bowed string instrument acoustics.
Like the Darci Jones Model, this is a purpose-built (not a re-strung violin or viola) octave instrument with unbelievable projection and a nice deep timbre (unlike some other instruments, which are loud but 'thin')...this instrument has a sound distinct from a 'cello but projects like a fine 'cello!
Wittner internally-geared "Finetune Violin Pegs" put the other planetary geared pegs we all know about (and we used to sell) to shame. Much kinder to the pegbox, as they are held in by friction like a regular peg instead of screwing and gluing...in other words, you DO NOT ruin your pegbox. Much more durable than the competing planetary pegs and the gears don't strip, like the other ones have for us many times. Comes in two diameters, as measured where the red arrows point in the photo, 7.8mm and 8.6mm.
Secret weapon for dealing with those gut strings on replica instruments!
Wittner internally-geared "Finetune Violin Pegs" put the other planetary geared pegs we all know about (and we used to sell) to shame. Much kinder to the pegbox, as they are held in by friction like a regular peg instead of screwing and gluing...in other words, you DO NOT ruin your pegbox. Much more durable than the competing planetary pegs and the gears don't strip, like the other ones have for us many times. Comes in two diameters, as measured where the red arrows point in the photo, 7.8mm and 8.6mm.
The Adventurous Muse (www.AdventurousMuseStore.com) aims to be the most interesting musical instrument store in the universe! Acoustic, electric and electronic musical instruments, ranging from innovative to beyond your dreams. We started out as www.FiddleandBowStore.com, dealing only in unique bowed string instruments and accessories. The Adventurous Muse venture (www.AdventurousMuse.com) was created to expand our focus beyond violins and fiddles to other types of musical instruments. The Adventurous Muse, owned by Don Rickert Design, is NOT for sissies, but for the adventurous musicians of the world for whom having the most innovative instruments for pursuing their art is a high priority and who possess and are not afraid to spend the necessary money to obtain them. They are committed to restoring the U.S. economy by supporting small businesses (by buying stuff).
Any questions? Our business is for people who can decide for themselves what they need to pursue their art! For the most part, this means that most of our customers are intermediate to advanced players who have developed their own style; however, we welcome beginners and developing players as well--no snobbery or snootiness here...there's enough of that going around already.
Our mission is simple: to provide the best products and service to our customers at the lowest prices possible; however we don't sell cheap junk. We take great pride in our company, our commitment to customer service and in the products we sell. Our online store is designed to provide you with a safe and secure environment to browse our product catalog. We sell unique musical instruments at festivals and via our online store. We don't have a physical storefront; however, many in the Atlanta area stop by our design studio/workshop to try out bows and fiddles--all we ask is that you call first (706) 896-0909.
For more information about us, our opinions, our company, breaking news in the bowed strings world (such as the Pernambuco wood moratorium), reviews of fiddlers' conventions, etc. visit our blog www.AdventurousMuse.com.
Weare a division of the Atlanta-based product design firm, Don Rickert Research & Design (www.donrickertdesign.com), which is a DBA of Wiederholt & Rickert Partners, LLC.
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