VIOLINS & VIOLAS
FOR INSPIRED STRING PLAYERS, MADE IN VERMONT, USA
V. RICHELIEU VIOLINS & VIOLAS
EXPLORE PURCHASE & RENTAL OPTIONS THROUGH OUR NETWORK OF OUTSTANDING PARTNERS
With every instrument we make, we pour our hearts into it because for us, it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference. Every instrument we create reflects our commitment to excellence. We strive to provide the highest quality for every musician.
With every sale and rental, we provide a commitment to quality and a passion for musical excellence. Our luthiers carefully craft and make every instrument right here in the USA.
Own a professional V. Richelieu instrument with ease. Our flexible financing and rent-to-own programs provide affordable paths to ownership.
Discover the Perfect Violin or Viola for Your Musical Expression
Crafted for Excellence
For every musician, a quality violin or viola is the essential tool for professional expression. But finding the instrument that resonates with your unique playing style and desired sound can be overwhelming. That's why we created V. Richelieu™ violins and violas – instruments designed to unleash your musical potential.
Our master luthiers craft every V. Richelieu instrument with premium materials and precision. Experience beautiful sound and effortless playability across all sizes. Even our 11-inch violas provide the rich projection you need to play with confidence.
Made in America, Built by Musicians
We are more than luthiers; we are dedicated musicians who understand the technical needs of the performer. Every V. Richelieu instrument reflects our deep understanding of the craft. We build them to satisfy the needs of students and seasoned performers alike.
What sets them apart?
Made In The USA
Sustainable Fingerboards (Sonowood and GaiaTone)
Powerful Sound
Incredible Design
Crafted By Professionally Trained Master Luthiers
Recommended By Violin/Viola Teachers And Professionals
Using Sustainably Sourced Materials To Make
Fine Instruments That Are Good For The
How DO we Source our Wood In Instrument Making
Sourced with Care, Played with Passion
Our mission is to use sustainably sourced materials that are used in celebration, not in denigration, of our planet. "We use premium, FSC-certified spruce from Switzerland and maple sourced from the Coquille tribe in Oregon. These sustainable materials are the foundation of our instruments. The beauty of Vermont inspires our commitment to environmental responsibility.
At V. Richelieu™, we are excited to use fingerboards from two environmentally conscious alternatives – Sonowood and GaiaTone. Certified Sustainable by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), these options offer qualities similar to ebony…and are equally beautiful.
Tonewoods for Violin Making: Premium Spruce & Maple
Craft exceptional violins and other instruments with our premium tonewoods. We specialise in purpose-driven execution. We source our spruce from Switzerland and our maple from the Coquille Nation Tribe's reservation. Our high-quality tonewood is renowned for its superior acoustic properties, ensuring your violins resonate with rich, clear tones.
Premium Quality
Exceptional Grain
Sustainably grown and harvested
Your Ultimate Source for Sustainable Violin Fingerboards and More…
Introducing Sustainable Ebony Alternatives - Fingerboards for Violins, Viola, Cello, and Bass.
The "JUST GET ONBOARD" initiative represents a fundamental shift in industry standards. GaiaTone and Sonowood are alternatives to traditional Ebony fingerboard materials, with a focus on eco consciousness. This campaign invites musicians and music lovers to join the shift toward greener choices.
By choosing GaiaTone and Sonowood, you’re helping protect the planet while enjoying the rich, authentic tones you love.
Craft exceptional violins with V. Richelieu's premium tonewoods, including spruce and maple, sourced for quality and eco-friendliness. Discover our innovative, eco-friendly alternative to ebony for violin fingerboards, offering exceptional performance without compromise.
We are bringing GaiaTone to Europe. A new era for violin craftsmanship at the Cremona School. GaiaTone and Sonowood represent our top-tier alternatives to traditional ebony. These exceptional materials redefine the standards of elegance and responsibility in violin making.
We are merging time-honoured tradition with innovative materials. Discover how these solutions elevate your craft while honouring the artistry of violin making.
Learn how GaiaTone offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to ebony fingerboards
Think Globally, Play Locally: How Sourcing Close to Home Benefits the Planet
Every choice we make ripples across our connected world. The goods we buy, opting for locally sourced materials, can significantly reduce their environmental footprint.
Transporting products over long distances requires significant amounts of fuel, leading to increased carbon emissions and air pollution. Choosing locally sourced violin wood supports your community while minimising your environmental footprint. Reducing transport distances directly contributes to global environmental health.
Understanding Your Wood's Carbon Footprint
For instance, shipping 2 kg of violin wood from Beijing to Vermont results in more than a ton of CO2 emissions.
Here's how we calculate that:
The Formula: Distance traveled (km) * CO2 per km (0.185, an aviation standard) / Wood weight in tons = CO2 emissions per kg of wood.
The Impact: For every kilogram of wood flown that distance, the impact is significant. Airplanes emit substantial CO2, and long distances add up quickly.
The Alternative: Choosing locally sourced wood drastically cuts down on distance traveled, minimizing your carbon footprint.
When it comes to sustainability, shorter shipping distances make a big difference for the planet!
Excellence by Design
Discovering the Unique Voices of American Woods
We enjoy building a diversity of models using a range of woods that give players a broad choice of sound and color.
Introducing the Da Salo Model Viola: Redefining Viola Excellence
Experience the pinnacle of viola craftsmanship with the launch of the Da Salo Model. This extraordinary instrument blends the legacy of Gasparo da Salo with meticulous artistry, promising exceptional sound and unmatched playability. Discover its captivating beauty and elevate your musical expression to new heights.
Features & Benefits:
The Da Salo Model offers exceptional tonality, featuring a wide dynamic range that balances warm lows with vibrant highs.
Unmatched Playability: Effortless responsiveness and superb projection enhance your performance.
Timeless Elegance: Crafted with meticulous detail, inspired by Gasparo da Salo's artistry, embodying timeless luxury.
Embrace the legacy and elevate your music
Our Partnership with the Coquille Indian Tribe
Discover how our collaboration with the Coquille Indian Tribe supports both exceptional instruments and responsible forestry. We source premium tonewoods, such as highly-flamed Bigleaf Maple, to ensure exceptional quality and environmental responsibility.
Our Shared Vision:
The Coquille Nation's commitment to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards mirrors our own dedication to sustainable instrument making. Together, we ensure the forests that provide our materials will flourish for generations to come.
The Coquille Legacy:
Overcoming historical challenges, the Coquille Indian Tribe's resilient spirit fuels their sustainable forest management and a thriving community. By sourcing from the Coquille, we honor their legacy and support a model of responsible forest stewardship.
Sustainable Tonewoods:
We source stunning Bigleaf Maple from the Coquille Nation, renowned for its flame and tonal quality. Our commitment to sustainability also drives us to explore innovative alternatives for endangered woods, ensuring a harmonious future for both music and nature.
Pioneering Change Towards a Sustainable Future
Discover the principles of sustainable violin making. How will new EU wood regulations impact your craft?
Ceile Kronick and Kathy Reilly examine the intersection of EU regulatory shifts and sustainable lutherie. Discover strategic ways to integrate eco-friendly practices into your workshop and support a responsible future for the craft.
WE ARE THRILLED!
Vermont Violins wins Small Business Exporter of the Year! We thank the SBA for recognising our global growth and sustainable practices.
Our innovative GaiaTone material—a revolutionary ebony alternative crafted from 100% post-consumer recycled paper—drives this achievement.
V. Richelieu instruments are officially the first violins and violas to carry FSC certification. This gold-standard recognition marks the culmination of a pioneering journey toward true sustainability in instrument making.
SUPPORTING A GREATER CAUSE
Kathy Reilly, owner of Vermont Violins, joins the management board of the Alliance-USA. This nonprofit organisation supports global policies and projects that conserve the precious natural resources essential to our craft.
Exceptional Fractional Violas for Young Prodigies: The V. Richelieu™ Difference
Your search for a no-compromise fractional viola ends here. Discover the V. Richelieu™, inspired by our 15 years of serving young virtuosos at Meadowmount. We build our smaller violas to the same professional standards as our full-size models. This ensures a familiar feel and helps you play your best.
Features & Benefits:
Master Craftsmanship: Experience the same quality materials, oil varnish, and expert adjustments as our professional instruments.
Designed for Violists: Our fractional violas transcend violin patterns, offering a rich, expressive viola tone with powerful projection.
Unleash Potential: Nurture young talent with instruments that encourage advanced technique and musical growth.
The Problem with Traditional Fractional Violas:
Fractional violas often fall short, compromising tone and playability. The V. Richelieu™ breaks the mould with:
Tertis-Inspired Design: Optimal string length and proportions for a true viola sound.
Enhanced C-string: Experience a strong, resonant lower register.
Viola-Specific Features: Details like bass bars, bridges, and neck angles optimized for viola acoustics.
Invest in your young musician's future – Explore the V. Richelieu™ fractional viola today!
Experience the exquisite sound and craftsmanship of V. Richelieu™ instruments. From Swiss Spruce to Bosnian Maple, we combine the finest European and American tonewoods to build every instrument. Master luthiers in our Vermont workshop ensure every instrument resonates with its unique voice.
By combining European tradition with American innovation, we create instruments with a truly global character.
Handcrafted in Vermont: Expertise from top luthier schools meets 80+ years of combined experience for exceptional quality.
Personalised Sound: Hand-graduated plates and our signature oil varnish maximise each wood's potential.
Discover the Harmony of European and American Tonewoods:
FLEXIBLE PROGRAM: RENT OR PURCHASE
The V. RICHELIEU™ instruments are available for either rent or purchase. Our flexible rental contracts offer 3, 6, or 12-month renewable terms and include a Pernambuco bow. For peace of mind, you can add an optional damage waiver. When you're ready to buy, we offer trade-in credit toward a Richelieu or any instrument of greater value.
THE MEMBERS AREA
Become a member of the V. Richelieu Members' Area and get access to
Exclusive member-only content
Register Your V. Richelieu for warranty
Access to exclusive merchandise
Connect with the community
Contribute to the Members' Area
The membership is free of cost.
HOW DID V. RICHELIEU GET ITS NAME?
The most common question we hear about our Vermont-made violins is: 'Why the name V. Richelieu? The name often sparks a second question regarding its unique spelling and heritage.
THE V. RICHELIEU EXPERIENCE
WWe sent out our instruments for evaluation to some of the leading industry professionals. Learn about their experience and hear how the instruments sound.
Presenting - Letitia Quante. In this video, Letitia tries her hand at V. Richelieu's instruments. Watch the video to hear about her experience with these beautifully 100% Vermont-made instruments.
Love your V. Richelieu instrument? We invite you to share your feedback through a Google review and join our community of musicians.