V. RICHELIEU

EXPLORE PURCHASE & RENTAL OPTIONS THROUGH OUR NETWORK OF OUTSTANDING PARTNERS

With every instrument we make, we pour in our hearts because for us, it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference. Every new instrument we make is the next step of our journey towards becoming the best version of ourselves, for you. With each product we sell or rent, we add a little hope and a lot of affection. Each instrument is carefully crafted by our luthiers, personalized by us, and proudly made in the USA.

Through dynamic purchase plans that include long-term financing, and rent with ownership programs, we join with our partners to make professional quality V. Richelieu instruments accessible and affordable.

Discover the Perfect Violin or Viola for Your Musical Expression

Crafted for Excellence

Your violin or viola is your voice in the world of music. 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.

Every V. Richelieu instrument is meticulously built with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship. This translates to effortless playability, rich projection even in the smallest sizes (down to 11" violas!), and a beautiful, responsive sound that inspires you to play your best.

Made in America, Built by Musicians

Our team isn't just instrument makers – we're players too. That passion and understanding are infused into every V. Richelieu violin and viola, ensuring they meet the demands of both students and seasoned musicians

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

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 currently use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified spruce from Switzerland and maple from the Coquille tribe in Oregon in much of our making. Our commitment to sustainability is informed by the beauty of Vermont in which they are made.

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.

It's time for a change!

Traditional & Beautiful but disappearing from our planet. Surviving species range from threatened to endangered and high-quality ebony is increasingly hard to find. It’s time to consider options!
V. Richelieu™ offers 2 sustainable options:
SONOWOOD & GAIATONE: Perfect Alternatives!

  • Beautiful

  • Sustainable & Natural

  • Affordable

  • Workshop & Tool-friendly *GaiaTone products are made in the USA.

Think Globally, Play Locally: How Sourcing Close to Home Benefits the Planet

Our planet is interconnected, and the choices we make have a ripple effect. When it comes to 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. By choosing locally sourced violin wood, for instance, you're not only supporting your community but also helping to minimize your environmental impact. Remember, smaller journeys translate to a healthier planet!

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!

A Symphony of Surprise

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:

  • Exceptional Tonality: Explore a wide dynamic range with the Da Salo Model's balanced tones, from warm lows to 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 like highly-flamed Big Leaf Maple, ensuring both quality and a commitment to a greener future.

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 Big Leaf 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

Unlock the secrets behind sustainable violin making! Join Ceile Kronick and Kathy Reilly as they unravel the impact of new EU regulations on wood sourcing in the music industry. Dive into the harmony of green practices and discover how you can be a part of a more eco-friendly future for instrument making. 🌿🎻

SUPPORTING A GREATER CAUSE

The International Alliance for Violin and Bow Makers for Endangered Species (the “Alliance-USA”) has invited Vermont Violins’ owner and founder, Kathy Reilly, to join their management board. The Alliance-USA is a non-for-profit international organization dedicated to support policies, projects, and rules that conserve precious natural resources used in the violin-making trade for the future.

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. Each instrument is meticulously crafted with the same excellence as our full-size violas, ensuring a seamless transition and fostering superior playing.

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 mold 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!

Discover the Harmony of European and American Tonewoods:

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Experience the exquisite sound and craftsmanship of V. Richelieu™ instruments. Each piece is built with hand-selected tonewoods – European classics like Swiss Spruce and Bosnian Maple, alongside the finest American woods. Master luthiers in our Vermont workshop ensure every instrument resonates with its unique voice.

Global Tonewood Excellence: We celebrate the best of both worlds, blending European tradition with the unique character of American woods.

Handcrafted in Vermont: Expertise from top luthier schools meets 80+ years of combined experience for exceptional quality.

Personalized Sound: Hand-graduated plates and our proprietary oil varnish maximize each wood's potential.

FLEXIBLE PROGRAM: RENT OR PURCHASE

The V. RICHELIEU™ instruments are available for either rent or purchase. The rental program provides flexibility through either a 3, 6, or 12 month renewable contract which includes a Pernambuco bow. Optional damage waivers are available. Instruments may be purchased and later traded in toward another Richelieu, or an instrument of greater value by students as they grow or advance in level.

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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. 

V. Richelieu Inception

HOW DID V. RICHELIEU GET ITS NAME?

One of the most common questions we get asked about our Made in Vermont violins is; “why did we call them V. Richelieu?” (“How do you spell that?” takes a close second).

THE V. RICHELIEU EXPERIENCE

We sent out our instruments for evaluation to some of the leading industry professionals. Find out about their experience and hear how the instruments sound.

  • “This viola has 2 distinct features: power, and size. It is very rare to find a viola at this size with this much power. The instrument is also very well balanced across all four strings. Overall it is a very nice instrument at the price of an advanced student but the quality of a professional.”

    - ANDREW KRIMM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/BOULDER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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  • “When I initially took the 16 inches V. Richelieu Viola out of its case, the beautiful craftsmanship immediately caught my attention. It is an aesthetically pleasing instrument the wood and dark varnish are visually striking. The viola exhibits a warm, vibrant tone, a nice color palette, comfortable playability, and a consistent sound throughout all registers. I thoroughly enjoyed playing this instrument, and I would recommend it to any advancing student who desires a quality instrument at an affordable price. ”

    - COLIN GARNER, DALLAS OPERA

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  • “The violas arrived safely today and WOW!!!! The sound is INCREDIBLE! Even on the 12 inches, the sound is amazing. It’s a tiny viola but WOW does it have good sound!”

    Thank you so SO much for making this happen. We so appreciate it.”

    - HOLLY CARPENTER

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  • I LOVE my Richelieu rental viola!! I have never heard a small (15") viola with the richness and true viola timbre like the Richelieu. I live in Maine but study remotely with my long-time teacher in NJ. She was very impressed! I gave her links to Vt. Violins as she wishes to refer her other students (violin and viola, of all ages) to you for their consideration for rental and/or purchase.

    Kathy, you were wonderfully helpful!!

    -Kathleen D.

  • If your research has brought this viola into the world, I say carry on. Great viola tone from the bottom to the top, plays as you ask it to. The 5th grader using this small instrument has heard the low C string vibrate for the first time. She is a youngster of talent with expectation of tone, articulation and intonation. I believe we can now get to the focus of mechanics with the reward of hearing the result not when you ‘“grow up” but as you master a technique.

    -Bob M.

  • It has been six months already with the V Richelieu violin and I enjoy it more and more every day. The sound that keeps developing is amazing. It has helped me a lot to advance and improve my skills. It is a wonderful instrument. Congratulations to all of you at Vermont Violins.

    -Luis D.

  • I want to send a shout-out to vermontviolins.com. I tried their Richelieu model fractional violas at the AVS Festival in LA this June and was so impressed! I have been recommending their instruments to my students (they ship for free—I live in the Washington DC area). They have violas as small as 11” (roughly equivalent to a 1/4 size violin), and they sound GREAT. Not only do they have great instruments but they also have great customer service. They called me up today just to inform me what is going on with one of my students’ instruments. I’m so impressed!

    They have been a total game changer for me. I’m now working on teaching only viola to my kids who are 1/4 size and above. I’ve convinced half my violin students to switch! If you teach viola to children, I highly recommend giving them a call.

    -Attender, AVS Association

Presenting - Letitia Quante. In this video, Letitia tries her hands on V. Richelieu's instruments. Watch the video to hear about her experience with these beautifully 100% Vermont-made instruments.