Quote saying, 'Meticulous, Masterful, Magnificent,' in white cursive text on a black background.

Magnificent tone born from a master's hand, with every meticulous detail resonating with profound beauty.

A woodworking scene with a partially carved violin shape on a wooden workbench, wood shavings scattered around, and measuring tools including a dial gauge and metal calipers nearby.

VIOLINS & VIOLAS

Experience the pinnacle of lutherie—where every masterfully crafted violin and viola is a testament to uncompromising artistry and a legacy of exquisite sound.

In the world of music, a great instrument isn't just a tool—it's your partner. It's the expression for your sound, waiting for you to discover the invisible potential.

At Richelieu, we believe your journey is personal. That's why our Master Series isn't just about us; it's about you. We've taken the timeless craft of lutherie and given it a fresh perspective, creating violins and violas that are radically simple in their purpose: to help you create.

Each instrument is a meticulously crafted foundation, built by a master's hand over 80 hours with premium tonewoods and a magnificent, buttery tone. But its true character? That's up to you.

To hold a V. Richelieu Master Series instrument is to hold a piece of history, a work of art that will continue to sing its story for years to come and a commitment to sustainability we can all be proud of.

This isn't just a great instrument. It's a great instrument for you.

THE MASTER SERIES COLLECTION

WHERE ETHICS MEETS EXCELLENCE: MADE IN USA

Introducing the V. Richelieu Master Series of violins and violas, where the legacy of traditional lutherie meets the pinnacle of modern innovation and sustainable luxury. Crafted in the USA by seasoned master luthiers, each instrument boasts a tonal palette described as richly buttery and deeply resonant, a testament to the meticulous selection of premium tonewoods.

We use sustainable woods in our violin making. We are the first FSC Certified violin shop in USA
Close-up of a cross-section of a tree trunk showing growth rings.

Great Artistry and Superior Materials:

The Foundation of a Great Instrument

The exquisite varnish not only enhances the visual appeal with its captivating depth and texture but also contributes to the instrument's exceptional acoustic properties. These are instruments designed for sonic artistry, brought to life with the vibrant color and light of premium strings and featuring the innovative Gaiatone and Sonowood ebony alternative fingerboards, offering unparalleled playability and a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Collection of violin-making templates and molds in various stages of construction, with clamps and woodworking tools in a workshop.

More than mere instruments, these master series violins and violas represent an enduring investment in musical heritage, meticulously handcrafted over 80 hours with unwavering dedication. From the initial creative brainstorming and precise design to the delicate personal touches, every stage reflects a profound respect for the craft, seamlessly blending time-honored techniques with ultra-technical precision.

An Investment in Musical Heritage

Images showing the process of building a wooden violin. The first close-up shows the layered wood structure of the violin's body. The second image shows the violin body's outline clamped with colorful clip clamps on a worktable. The third image features the partially assembled violin with tools and wood shavings around. The fourth image is a side view of the violin's carved arching. The fifth image displays the finished, unpainted violin body from the top view.

Notably, these are the first-ever FSC certified bowed instruments, underscoring a commitment to sustainability without compromising ultimate luxury. Built for generations of passionate musicians, these masterpieces embody the soul of lutherie, ensuring the essence of exceptional sound and craftsmanship endures.

Text graphic reading, 'Luther's Log behind the perch'.
Wooden violin templates on a workbench with tools and supplies in the background, alongside a quote about quality control in instrument making.
Side-by-side photos of a guitar's back, one before and one after finishing. The first shows a plain unfinished wooden back, the second shows the same back with a tool resting on it and shavings around.
Two images showing woodworking process of a stringed instrument; the first image shows an empty wooden mold, and the second image shows the mold clamped with black and red clamps, with a clear acrylic piece inside, on a wooden workbench.
Top view of a violin showing the scroll and tuning pegs, along with a close-up detail of the scroll. Bright wood tones on the violin, placed on a workbench with a blurred background.

Each Master Series Instrument Comes With a Bogaro & Clemente Case

Bogaro & Clemente cases represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship, technology, and luxury. Each Bogaro & Clemente case is meticulously crafted by hand in Italy. This bespoke process takes approximately 2 months, but the result is a masterpiece of design and functionality worthy of your prized instrument.

Multiple stringed musical instruments, likely electric violins, with colorful autumn leaf patterns on their bodies, shown from top, back, and side views.
Open black violin case with blue interior lined with fabric, containing a wooden violin and bow.